The 49ers apparently like what they’ve seen from Marquez Valdes-Scantling since signing the wide receiver to their practice squad last week.

San Francisco is promoting Valdes-Scantling to its 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s 2025 NFL season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson reported Tuesday, citing a league source.

#49ers promoting veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a 53-man roster from pratice squad, per a league source @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2025

In what appears to be a coinciding move, the 49ers are releasing receiver Russell Gage Jr. from the active roster, but plan on signing him to their practice squad and elevating him for Sunday’s game if he’s still with the team, ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported Tuesday.

Roster juggling: 49ers releasing WR Russell Gage from their active roster, but intend to sign him to their practice squad and elevate him for Sunday’s game vs. Seattle if he does not sign elsewhere.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2025

Valdes-Scantling will face his former team in Week 1 as a member of the 49ers; the Seahawks released the seven-year NFL veteran before he signed with San Francisco. He joins Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Skyy Moore and rookie Jordan Watkins on the 53-man — a move that likely was made to prevent another receiver-needy team from swooping him up.

“It’s a no-brainer to come to a place where you can help out in all facets, whether it be on the field or off the field,” Valdes-Scantling told reporters last week of joining the 49ers, noting he “of course” could help San Francisco prepare for its season opener against Seattle.

“Obviously, I just spent the last six months with those guys,” Valdes-Scantling said. “I went against those guys every single day. Of course, I’ll be able to say, ‘Hey, these are the kinds of things that give them trouble’ or ‘This is the type of coverage they like to play’ or ‘This is the style of football that these corners like to play.’ ”

With Brandon Aiyuk on the physically unable to perform list as he works his way back from a knee injury, Jennings returned to practice Monday after a prolonged absence due to a calf issue. With Pearsall and Jennings set to enter the regular season as quarterback Brock Purdy’s top receivers, it remains to be seen what kind of role Valdes Scantling will play.

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