The 49ers moved to 3-0 in the preseason with a 27-17 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night. Another game in the books meant some movement on the 53-man roster projection. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also offered some insight into the roster leading up to, and after, the game.
With all of that taken into account, here’s our latest guess at a 53-man roster:
Quarterback (3)
Jimmy Garoppolo
Nick Mullens
CJ Beathard
No changes here. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said after Week 3 of the preseason that he plans to keep all three quarterbacks.
Running back (4)
Matt Breida
Tevin Coleman
Raheem Mostert
Jerick McKinnon
This should be the group of four running backs heading into the regular season, although McKinnon could start the season on IR and allow the 49ers to keep either Jeff Wilson Jr., or an additional player elsewhere on the roster.
Notable cuts: Jeff Wilson Jr.
Fullback (1)
Kyle Juszczyk
Nothing will change here barring injury.
Wide receiver (7)
Dante Pettis
Marquise Goodwin
Trent Taylor
Richie James
Deebo Samuel
Jalen Hurd
Jordan Matthews
This group is impossible to predict. Seven is a ton of receivers, but the 49ers may not be able to justify cutting two or three players. Matthews moves onto the roster after getting left off our last projection. Shanahan was extremely complimentary of the veteran in the week leading up to the Kansas City game. Cutting Kendrick Bourne is extremely difficult, and he’d land on another team if he doesn’t make the 49ers.
Notable cuts: Kendrick Bourne
Tight end (2)
George Kittle
Ross Dwelley
No changes in this group. Dwelley had a couple drops against Kansas City, but bounced back nicely to finish with three catches for 30 yards. McKinnon going to IR would open the door for a third tight end to make the team.
Notable cuts: Garrett Celek, Kaden Smith, Tyree Mayfield
Offensive line (8)
OT Joe Staley
OT Mike McGlinchey
OT Sam Young
G Najee Toran
G/C Ben Garland
G Laken Tomlinson
G Mike Person
C Weston Richburg
This group stays the same for now. Daniel Brunskill was the first guard off the bench against the Chiefs. His experience at tackle makes him an intriguing, versatile option. Especially on a team that needs help at tackle. He stays off the roster for now though.
Noteable cuts: Justin Skule, Joshua Garnett
Cornerback (5)
Richard Sherman
Ahkello Witherspoon
Jason Verrett
K’Waun Williams
Emmanuel Moseley
Tim Harris was a casualty at this group due to the addition of another receiver. Harris will probably clear waivers and land on the practice squad. Dontae Johnson has had a nice couple games, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to hit the 53-man roster.
Notable cuts: Tim Harris, Dontae Johnson
Safety (5)
DJ Reed
Jaquiski Tartt
Jimmie Ward
Marcell Harris
Tarvarius Moore
No changes here. Colbert didn’t do well in the preseason, then couldn’t play against the Chiefs in Week 3. He and Antone Exum are the odd men out in a versatile group.
Notable cuts: Antone Exum Jr., Adrian Colbert
Linebacker (5)
Fred Warner
Kwon Alexander
Elijah Lee
David Mayo
Dre Greenlaw
No changes here after the third preseason game.
Notable cuts: Malcolm Smith, Mark Nzeocha
Defensive line (10)
DeForest Buckner
Dee Ford
Arik Armstead
Nick Bosa
Solomon Thomas
Sheldon Day
DJ Jones
Ronald Blair
Jullian Taylor
Kentavius Street
The 49ers have a very deep defensive line, which is why Damontre Moore is still off the roster despite a productive preseason.
Specialists (3)
K Robbie Gould
P Mitch Wishnowsky
LS Colin Holba
No changes to this group. Holba will be around until Kyle Nelson’s suspension is over after Week 7. Gould’s commitment to the club with a four-year contract this offseason helped that spot from becoming an issue for the 49ers.
