The San Francisco 49ers waived/injured linebacker Brandon Long on Sunday. The team also cut ties with wide receiver Bakari Grant and cornerback Patrick Stoudamire. All NFL teams had to reduce their rosters to 75 players by August 31. On September 4, all teams will have to cut their rosters to 53 players.
Here is the team's current active roster. Players in bold are my predictions of who makes the roster for opening day. Players in italics are those that might stay on for the practice squad.
Offense
QB: Alex Smith, David Carr, Nate Davis, Jarrett Brown
RB: Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Anthony Dixon, Michael Robinson
FB: Moran Norris, Brit Miller, Jehuu Caulcrick
WR: Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Ted Ginn, Kyle Williams, Dominique Zeigler, Kevin Jurovich, Bobby Guillory, Jason Hill
TE: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham, Tony Curtis, Joe Jon Finley
OL: Joe Staley, Chilo Rachal, Eric Heitmann, David Baas, Adam Snyder, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati, Barry Sims, Tony Wragge, Alex Boone, Cody Wallace, Brian de la Puente, Matt Kopa
Defense
DL: Justin Smith, Aubrayo Franklin, Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Ricky Jean Francois, Demetric Evans, Khalif Mitchell, Will Tukuafu, Derek Walker
LB: Patrick Willis, Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, Ahmad Brooks, Diyral Briggs, NaVorro Bowman, Travis LaBoy, Matt Wilhelm, Mike Balogun, Keaton Kristick, Bruce Davis
DB: Shawntae Spencer, Nate Clements, Dashon Goldson, Michael Lewis, Taylor Mays, Tarell Brown, Reggie Smith, Phillip Adams, Karl Paymah, Curtis Taylor, Will James, Tramaine Brock, Chris Marogos
Special teams
K: Joe Nedney, Shane Andrus
P: Andy Lee
LS: Brian Jennings
A few notes on my prediction:
- Byham will be the team's backup fullback and third tight end option. We haven't seen much from Miller at fullback and this might be in part that the 49ers don't want to show too much and let him sign elsewhere.
- Jurovich provides a solid backup option at punt returner if Ginn, Adams or Williams get hurt.
- Boone might not make it past waivers as his size and potential skill might be too hot for other teams to pass up. Had Heitmann not been hurt, Wragge's value might decrease enough where Boone could take his spot.
- Nine linebackers seems to be a lot, but the experience of Wilhelm and the recent plays of LaBoy and Bowman show that they are worth keeping.
- Paymah and James are both on the bubble, but I stuck with Paymah since I have seen more his play while James has been hurt. A source did indicate that James has been told by the 49ers that he will make the roster. However, many things can change.
Comments
I think overall it sounds good. I would keep Boone over Wragge..but as you said...because of the injury Wragge may have the advantage. Also, Boone will be picked up by Seattle as soon has he is available to them. LaBoy makes it on two good games. I Agree with one full back. Are we thin at the CB position? The last two years..there's been a lot of injuries late in the season there.
Having all the rookies make the team, worrying to think about the overall depth we had last year. I would expect a great improvement if the coaches can keep the players rotated.
Four running backs seems like a lot too but i guess it is a sure thing westbrook will not make it through to the end of the season. great job assessing sam
i don't think they would have cut wragge even with heitman injured. he's always played well when called upon.
great list, i (along with matt barrows!) agree with every one of your choices.
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