In a ruthless twist that’s emblematic of the NFL’s cutthroat nature, the San Francisco 49ers have parted ways with cornerback Isaiah Bolden just days after adding him to their practice squad. The move, announced via the NFL’s transaction wire on December 16, 2025, opens up a spot on the squad and signals more roster turbulence ahead as the team gears up for the final stretch of the season.
Bolden, a 26-year-old defensive back, was signed by the 49ers only a week prior, bringing depth to a secondary that’s been tested by injuries and inconsistencies this year. However, his stint in red and gold was short-lived. The release comes on the heels of positive injury updates for several key players, making Bolden the odd man out in what appears to be a calculated shuffle to optimize the roster for Week 16 and beyond.
Sources indicate that the 49ers are poised to activate edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos from Injured Reserve this Saturday, assuming no setbacks derail his recovery. Additionally, the team anticipates the return of linebacker Tatum Bethune and defensive tackle Sam Okuayinonu, among others. These impending activations are expected to trigger a cascade of roster adjustments, rendering Bolden’s position expendable in the grand scheme. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional football—Bolden was cut on his own birthday, adding an extra layer of irony to the “cold-blooded” decision.
With Bolden now hitting waivers, the 49ers could potentially circle back and re-sign him if he clears without being claimed by another team. But given the timing, it’s unclear if that’ll happen. The Niners are bracing for a busy week of transactions, especially with their Monday night matchup in Week 16 throwing off the usual schedule. Fans should expect more moves as the team fine-tunes its lineup for a playoff push.
In the wake of this release, the practice squad’s cornerback depth has thinned out considerably. Veteran Eli Apple now stands as the sole cornerback on the squad, with safety Derrick Canteen as the other defensive back providing secondary support. On the active roster, the 49ers appear locked in with a solid group heading into the season’s closing games: Renardo Green, Deommodore Lenoir, Upton Stout, Chase Lucas, Darrell Luter Jr., and Rock Ya-Sin seem set to handle the corner duties.
This latest shuffle underscores the 49ers’ aggressive approach to roster management under head coach Kyle Shanahan. As the team eyes a strong finish and potential postseason berth, no stone—or player—is left unturned. Stay tuned for more updates as San Francisco navigates these final three games with precision and purpose.