One surprise has already returned to the team
The 49ers made their final cutdown from 90 to 53 players on Tuesday, but it is hardly a “final” product. Shockingly, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Fred Warner, and Brock Purdy all made the final cut. Ok, sorry, but what were the biggest surprises from the initial 53-man roster?
Ronnie Bell
Even with Brandon Aiyuk still holding out, it was widely assumed Bell wouldn’t be one of the six receivers to make the cut. The 49ers kept seven receivers, including Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, Ricky Pearsall, and Chris Conley.
Bell will have to make his impact felt on special teams or whenever his number is called as a receiver. The 49ers weren’t ready to part with the former Michigan Wolverine.
Alex Barrett
The 49ers are as thin as they have been in a long time at the defensive line, and Barrett was an absolute machine during the preseason. Seven total pressures, a QB hit, a hurry, a sack, and a 19.7 pass rush win percentage weren’t enough for Barrett to crack the 53-man roster, as the 49ers kept Sam Okuayinonu.
Barrett likely will make it back to the team in some capacity, but I felt his experience with the team, coupled with his preseason performance, made him a lock for the roster.
Eric Saubert
*Editors note: Saubert has re-signed with the 49ers.*
The tight end room is down to two right now, but with Jon Feliciano and Ambry Thomas (who made the roster because of his injury) most likely headed to injured reserve, the 49ers will look to bring Saubert back. The surprising part is Saubert is not on the initial 53-man roster with Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu being waived.
You know the saying, no block, no rock for the 49ers. That’s why Willis and Latu finished on the outside, looking in. Saubert is the primary blocking tight end, who will return if all goes right, but it’s still surprising to see Jake Tonges make the roster over the three.
Elijah Mitchell
It’s not surprising that Mitchell is struggling with injuries, unfortunately. What is surprising is Mitchell sounded like he was heading back to action, only to find out his season was finished before it ever started.
Mitchell is a talented runner, but the physical demands of football seem too much for the 49ers rookie rushing yards record holder.