The San Francisco 49ers are navigating a complex roster-building process as they approach the NFL's cutdown deadline, with several players facing potential placement on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. These decisions are crucial for balancing the team's immediate competitive needs with its strategy for preserving talent for later in the season, especially as they prepare to open against the Rams.
Several players are projected to begin the season on reserve lists, which will not count against the initial 53-man roster. Running back Isaac Guerendo and defensive lineman Mykel Williams are expected to start the year on the PUP list. This designation allows them to return after missing the first four games, provided their recoveries progress as planned. Similarly, wide receiver Christian Kirk and cornerback Ephesians Prysock are anticipated to be placed on injured reserve with designations to return. NFL rules permit teams to use this designation on up to two players, enabling the 49ers to keep them on the roster without occupying a spot, with eligibility to return after four games pending their recovery.
Offensive lineman Brett Toth is also projected to begin the season on injured reserve, but without a return designation. In total, Guerendo and Williams on PUP, Kirk and Prysock designated for return from IR, and Toth on IR mean these five players will not count against the opening 53-man roster, potentially creating space for four reinforcements as the season unfolds.
Projected Roster Breakdown
The 49ers' projected 53-man roster includes three quarterbacks: Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, and Kurtis Rourke. Purdy is the established starter, with Jones serving as a reliable backup. Rourke is being kept for development as the third quarterback.
The running back and fullback group will consist of Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black, Jordan James, and Kyle Juszczyk. With Guerendo starting on PUP, Black and James are set to be the primary options behind McCaffrey. Juszczyk will continue in his fullback role.
At wide receiver, the team plans to carry six players: Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins. Evans and Samuel provide proven playmaking ability, while Stribling, Cowing, and Watkins offer developmental potential. Kirk's eventual return is expected to bolster this group.
The tight end position will feature George Kittle, Jake Tonges, and Luke Farrell. Kittle remains a key offensive player, with Tonges offering familiarity and Farrell providing blocking support.
Ten offensive linemen are expected to make the roster, including Trent Williams, Carver Willis, Robert Jones, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz, Austen Pleasants, Drake Nugent, Enrique Cruz Jr., and Vederian Lowe. This depth addresses concerns about Williams' age and the importance of protecting Purdy.
Nine defensive linemen are projected, led by Nick Bosa, Osa Odighizuwa, and Keion White. The group also includes Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Romello Height, Gracen Halton, Sam Okuayinonu, and James Thompson Jr. The absence of Mykel Williams temporarily impacts the edge rotation.
Six linebackers are slated to make the team: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Jaden Dugger, Garret Wallow, Tatum Bethune, and Nick Martin. Warner and Greenlaw anchor the unit, with Dugger and Wallow adding athleticism and experience.
The cornerback group will comprise Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, Upton Stout, Jack Jones, and Nate Hobbs. The injury designation for Prysock allows the team to manage the cornerback depth.
Four safeties are expected: Ji’Ayir Brown, Marques Sigle, Malik Mustapha, and Siran Neal. Brown, Sigle, and Mustapha represent a young core, while Neal provides veteran leadership and special teams value.
Finally, the specialists unit includes kicker Eddy Piñeiro, punter Corliss Waitman, and long snapper Jon Weeks, prioritizing experience and reliability.