In a surprising turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers made significant roster cuts to meet the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET. General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, along with their staff, trimmed the roster from 90 players to 53, unveiling some unexpected decisions that have left fans and analysts buzzing.
Among the most shocking moves was the release of veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen and punter Thomas Morstead. Chosen, who showcased a promising connection with quarterback Brock Purdy during preseason action, was a surprise cut given his 1,000-yard receiving pedigree from his time with the New York Jets. Similarly, Morstead’s release raised eyebrows, as he was the team’s only punter, leaving the 49ers without an immediate replacement at the position. However, sources suggest that both players could return before Week 1, potentially to the practice squad or active roster, depending on the team’s needs.
Other notable cuts included offensive lineman Michael Dunn, edge rushers Jonathan Garvin and Trevis Gipson, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, cornerback Fabian Moreau, and wide receiver Malik Turner. The 49ers also waived wide receiver Junior Bergen, offensive lineman Drake Nugent, tight end Brayden Willis, and offensive lineman Nick Zakelj. The release of Nugent and Zakelj signals the team’s confidence in rookies Connor Colby and Drew Moss to serve as key backups on the interior offensive line.
In addition to the cuts, the 49ers made several roster adjustments. Edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, bolstering the defensive front. However, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and safety Malik Mustapha were moved from active/PUP to reserve/PUP, meaning they will miss at least the first four games of the season. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke was placed on the reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, sidelining him for a minimum of six games. Defensive lineman Kevin Givens was placed on injured reserve (IR) with a designation to return, while cornerback Jakob Robinson’s season was ended after being placed on IR.
The 49ers’ bold roster decisions reflect a strategic approach to balancing veteran experience with emerging talent. While the release of Chosen and Morstead caught many off guard, the team’s trust in younger players like Colby and Moss, along with calculated moves on the injury front, suggests a confident vision for the upcoming season. As the 49ers prepare for Week 1, all eyes will be on Lynch and Shanahan to see if they bring back familiar faces like Chosen or Morstead to solidify the roster.