49ers ‘final’ 53-man roster: The roster gymnastics are underway
Niners Nation • • sports
Key Points:
- The San Francisco 49ers finalized their 53-man roster with key decisions such as including quarterback Kurtis Rourke and retaining Jordan James as a punt/kick returner, while Kaelon Black is positioned as the RB2.
- The wide receiver group features Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Jacob Cowing, with Christian Kirk released and Jordan Watkins kept, potentially for special teams duties.
- George Kittle is confirmed to play in Week 1, with Brayden Willis retained as insurance; the offensive line includes experienced players like Trent Williams and Jarrett Patterson, who may compete for a starting role.
- The defensive line is anchored by Nick Bosa and Osa Odighizuwa, with a young supporting cast and a fluid defensive tackle rotation; linebacker spots remain uncertain due to injuries to Nick Martin and Luke Gifford.
- Special teams saw Eddy Pineiro as kicker retained, with moves involving punter Corliss Waitman and long snapper Jon Weeks indicating strategic roster management to keep key players.
