49ers Roster Hopefuls See Stock Fall After Final Preseason Game
Several San Francisco 49ers players hurt their roster chances in the preseason finale, including tight end Brayden Willis, who suffered an injury while a new addition impressed. Defensive tackle CJ West struggled after a camp marred by injuries, while offensive lineman Brett Toth missed time with a concussion. Linebacker Luke Gifford, a special teams asset, saw his spot threatened by improved depth in the room.
The preseason finale served as a final evaluation window for San Francisco's roster bubble players, with injuries playing a decisive role in several cases. Brayden Willis's injury came at the worst possible time, as George Kittle's return to practice had already reduced the urgency to keep extra tight end depth, and Hayden Rucci's strong performance gave coaches a healthier alternative. Similarly, Brett Toth's concussion sidelined him during the critical guard and center competitions, allowing Drake Nugent to seize the backup center role.
Defensive tackle CJ West's training camp was derailed by persistent injuries, and his preseason struggles contrasted sharply with the strong showings of Sebastian Valdez and James Thompson, making his draft pedigree his only remaining argument for a roster spot. Luke Gifford's absence from summer action proved costly as the linebacker room deepened around him, with Tatum Bethune and Garrett Wallow both demonstrating value that could replace his special teams contributions.
This roster evaluation illustrates how quickly NFL careers can shift based on timing and health, affecting not just the players involved but also team depth for the regular season. Fans and analysts may see these decisions as indicators of the 49ers' priorities, while the players themselves face uncertain employment prospects. Such preseason outcomes could influence future roster strategies across the league, as teams weigh draft status against demonstrated performance when making final cuts.