49ers 53-man roster projection 3.0: Adjustments after preseason opener
The San Francisco 49ers finished their first preseason game of the year Saturday with a 17-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
That means it's time for another 53-man roster projection! We've did a couple during the offseason, but it's time to make some adjustments now that we've seen a large portion of the 90-man roster in game action.
Our first projection can be found here. Our second projection can be found here.
Here's our guess at a 53-man roster following the 49ers' preseason opener:
Quarterback (3)
Brock PurdyBrandon AllenJoshua Dobbs
Changes: We went with three QBs this time instead of two. San Francisco may just keep two and hope they can stash one on the practice squad to be the emergency QB on game days. It may not be possible to get one through waivers after cuts depending on how the backup battle shakes out.
Running back (4)
Christian McCaffreyElijah MitchellJordan MasonCody Schrader
Changes: Schrader got onto the roster this time over fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo, who has been out of camp since suffering a hamstring injury on the first day of training camp. The undrafted rookie also flashed enough as a kick returner and on offense to justify a roster spot.
Fullback (1)
Kyle Juszczyk
Changes: None, obviously.
Wide receiver (6)
Brandon Aiyuk (still here)Deebo SamuelJauan JenningsRonnie BellRicky PearsallJacob Cowing
Changes: Chris Conley was on our last projection, but he's more likely to land on the practice squad. Cowing, a fourth-round pick, holds onto his spot for now. He's just returning from a hamstring injury. Ronnie Bell is the new addition after putting together a handful of strong performances in camp. Tay Martin had a handful of nice plays Saturday. He's a long way from the roster still.
Tight end (3)
George KittleBrayden WillisEric Saubert
Changes: Logan Thomas made our last projection. He was cut before the preseason opener. There may not be four NFL tight ends on the 90-man roster. Willis and Saubert appear to be leading the race for roster spots at TE after both started and had strong showings in the preseason opener.
Offensive line (9)
Trent WilliamsColton McKivitzJake BrendelDominick PuniAaron BanksJon FelicianoSpencer BurfordChris HubbardBen Bartch
Changes: Bartch was tacked on as an extra offensive lineman. He may be in the hunt for a roster spot with Nick Zakelj, who started Saturday's game at center. Puni looked the part of a starting NFL lineman in his limited action Saturday. There's still a lot to work out on the offensive line. Williams needs to get his contract situation ironed out and the last few roster spots need to be spoken for.
Defensive line (9)
Nick BosaLeonard FloydJavon HargraveMaliek CollinsYetur Gross-MatosRobert Beal Jr.Jordan ElliottKevin GivensKalia Davis
Changes: We removed Drake Jackson, who went on season-ending IR. Nothing happened in the preseason game to change this group at all. The depth at defensive end is thin. Don't be surprised if the 49ers make a trade there at some point during the season.
Linebacker (5)
Fred WarnerDe'Vondre CampbellCurtis RobinsonDee WintersJalen Graham
PUP: Dre Greenlaw
Changes: Robinson gets on the roster over Ezekiel Turner and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. The 49ers have some real battles playing at at linebacker, and the ability to play on the defensive side may be the deciding factor for roster spots. This group could go a bunch of different ways, but based on Saturday's game, this looks like the way things are leaning.
Cornerback (6)
Charvarius WardDeommodore LenoirRenardo GreenDarrell Luter Jr.Isaac YiadomSamuel Womack
Changes: No changes here despite Rock Ya-Sin's good game against the Titans. There are a lot of potentially really good CBs on the 90-man roster which means some quality players may get cut.
Safety (4)
Talanoa HufangaJi'Ayir BrownGeorge OdumMalik Mustapha
Changes: No changes at safety.
Specialists (3)
K Jake MoodyP Mitch WishnowskyLS Taybor Pepper
Changes: Nothing changed here.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers 53-man roster projection 3.0: Adjustments after preseason opener