49ers reveal 53-man roster: Who makes cut on Super Bowl-caliber roster?
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers ended last season without any healthy quarterbacks. This season, three made the initial 53-man roster, led by Brock Purdy but not including Trey Lance, who got dealt Friday night to Dallas. Not making Tuesday’s cut and instead cast onto the season-ending Injured Reserve list were four players, including third-round draft pick Cameron Latu, who sustained a meniscus tear to his knee in Friday’s preseason finale.
Also placed on IR: kicker Zane Gonzales (calf), safety Tayler Hawkins (hand) and cornerback A. J. Parker (hamstring).
Among those kept off IR while recovering from injuries were wide receivers Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist) and Danny Gray (shoulder) and linebacker Oren Burks (knee). Defensive linemen Kerry Hyder Jr. and Austin Bryant were released, but more so in procedural moves as both are expected to re-sign on Wednesday, according to a team source.
The 49ers figure to bring back plenty others to comprise a 17-man practice squad, including Mexican offensive tackle Alfredo Gutierrez for his third season. Here is how the initial 53-man roster looks (with player-by-player analysis in 49 characters or less): QUARTERBACK (3) Brock Purdy Ready for encore after eight wins, elbow repair. Sam Darnold From Jets to Panthers to Niners’ QB2 bullpen.
Brandon Allen Trey Lance’s trade to Dallas opened QB3 job. * * * RUNNING BACK (5) Christian McCaffrey Again capable of 1,000 yards rushing/1,000 yards receiving season. Kyle Juszczyk (FB) So begins his eighth straight Pro Bowl season.
Elijah Mitchell Talented enough for 49ers to tolerate injuries. Jordan Mason Foot sprain in preseason puts Week 1 in question. Ty Davis-Price Adds power dimension after redshirting as rookie.
OUT: Jeremy McNichols, Brian Hill, Jack Colletto (FB). * * * WIDE RECEIVER (6) Brandon Aiyuk Matured into 1,000-yard receiver who runs elite routs. Deebo Samuel Ready to rebound after self-dubbed ‘awful’ 2022.
Jauan Jennings “Third-And-Jauan” must score more TDs (1 in ’22). Ray-Ray McCloud Will he rush back from wrist surgery for Week 1? Ronnie Bell May be this year’s relevant, seventh-round steal. Danny Gray He’s quick, he’s hurt, he was a 1-catch rookie.
OUT: Chris Conley, Willie Snead IV, Tay Martin, Isaiah Winstead, Anthony Miller * * * TIGHT END (4) George Kittle Health is paramount to offense, spirit unmatched. Ross Dwelley His sure hands return after late-season benching. Charlie Woerner Blocker, special-teams ace; last catch Nov.
2021. Brayden Willis Rookie has yards-after-catch skills in 6-4 body. Injured reserve: Cameron Latu (knee) Cut: Troy Fumagalli * * * OFFENSIVE LINE (9) Trent Williams (LT) Amazing All-Pro has team-high $19 million salary.
Aaron Banks (LG) Says O-line ‘on same page’ thanks to familiarity. Jake Brendel (C) Quietly settling in for second year as starter. Spencer Burford (RG) Started as rookie, needs to prove bit sturdier.
Colton McKivitz (RT) Most to prove as he replaces Mike McGlinchey. Jaylon Moore Knee injury early in camp didn’t help his growth. Jon Feliciano Veteran will be top backup at guard, center.
Nick Zakelj Growing pains obvious but gets shot to develop. Matt Pryor Fifth-year veteran sticks to back up McKivitz. OUT: Leroy Watson, Ilm Manning, Keith Ismael, Jason Poe, Joey Fisher, Ilm Manning, Corey Luciano.
(Alfredo Gutierrez is a practice-squad exemption as an international player. ) * * * DEFENSIVE LINE (8) Javon Hargrave Defected from Eagles to bolster interior rush. Arik Armstead Teammates call the 9th-year veteran ‘Blueprint.
’ Drake Jackson Hopes to take big jump after rookie-season fade. Clelin Ferrell Ex-Raiders’ first-round bust is 49ers’ DE gain. Javon Kinlaw 2020 top pick is slated to be free agent in 2024.
Robert Beal Jr. Fifth-round pick missed most of camp with injury. Kevin Givens Played 40 games since coming undrafted in 2019.
Kalia Davis Time to play after ACL recovery in rookie year. OUT: Kerry Hyder Jr. , Austin Bryant, T.
Y. McGill, Marlon Davidson, Alex Barrett, Breeland Speaks, Spencer Waege, La’Darius Hamilton (Nick Bosa does not count toward the roster until he reports and/or signs. ) * * * LINEBACKERS (6) Fred Warner All-Pro.
Pro Bowl. Captain. Reality-TV show next.
Dre Greenlaw Hopefully hamstring issue won’t linger. Oren Burks Strong-side starter once knee allows it. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Versatile veteran like Azeez Al-Shaair was.
Jalen Graham Draft pick No. 255 could make sudden impact. Dee Winters Sixth-round pick will learn from elite corps.
OUT: Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Curtis Robinson, Kyahva Tezino CORNERBACKS (5) Charvarius Ward Interceptions will help his All-Pro intentions. Deommodore Lenoir Established starter may have side job at nickel. Isaiah Oliver Rallied after camp gave 49ers buyer’s remorse.
Sam Womack Feisty player who makes impact on special teams. Ambry Thomas Late 2021 starter climbing out of 2022 doghouse. Cut: D’Shawn Jamison, Nate Brooks, Tre Swilling Injured reserve: A.
J. Parker (hamstring) Physically-unable-to-perform list: Darrell Luter Jr. (knee) SAFETIES (4) Talanoa Hufanga All-Pro is coping with cyst behind his knee.
Tashaun Gipson Sr. Vet sneaked into starting lineup a year ago. J’Ayir Brown This year’s top pick (third round) ready to hit.
George Odum Special-teams ace getting over shoulder injury. INJURED RESERVE: Tayler Hawkins (hand) CUT: Myles Hartsfield, Qwuantrezz Knight SPECIALISTS (3) Jake Moody (K) Quadriceps injury puts Week 1 debut in doubt. Mitch Wishnowsky (P) Better punter, holder than emergency kicker.
Taybor Pepper (LS) Pro Bowl push could come in Year 4 with Niners. Injured Reserve: Zane Gonzales (calf) .