SANTA CLARA \u2014 The state of the 49ers\u2019 roster is constantly evolving.<\/p>\n
The 49ers have now played two preseason games, and there were three injuries coming out of the game that could impact their decision-making when it is time for roster reductions around the league from 90 to 53 players.<\/p>\n
Offensive lineman Austen Pleasants<\/a> is in a strong position to make the team, but he sustained a knee injury that will determine his fate when the season opens. Linebacker Nick Martin<\/a> and cornerback Renardo Green<\/a> sustained hamstring injuries that factor prominently into the team\u2019s numbers game.<\/p>\n Teams must trim their rosters to the 53-player limit by Sunday, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m.<\/p>\n After two preseason games, here is how we currently envision the 49ers\u2019 regular-season roster:<\/p>\n Quarterback (3)<\/p>\n Brock Purdy<\/p>\n Mac Jones<\/p>\n Kurtis Rourke<\/p>\n Overview: Rourke sustained fractured ribs in the 49ers\u2019 first preseason game, NBC Sports Bay Area\u2019s Jennifer Lee Chan reports. But Rourke showed enough in that brief performance to make it too risky for the 49ers to subject him to waivers. After all, he could be the 49ers\u2019 backup quarterback to open the 2027 season. Adrian Martinez showed some dual-threat skills, but it will be difficult to break into this top three.<\/p>\n Running back (5)<\/p>\n Christian McCaffrey<\/p>\n Kyle Juszczyk<\/p>\n Kaelon Black<\/p>\n Jordan James<\/p>\n Sincere McCormick<\/p>\n Overview: McCormick makes the cut in our latest projection in place of Patrick Taylor Jr.<\/a>, whom the 49ers placed on injured reserve just hours before the game Thursday in Los Angeles. Taylor sustained an adductor injury during practice on Tuesday. The 49ers\u2019 top spots appear locked up with McCaffrey, Juszczyk, Black and James. Isaac Guerendo has yet to enter the competition as he rehabs from offseason surgery to repair a torn pectoral.<\/p>\n Wide receiver (6)<\/p>\n Mike Evans<\/p>\n De\u2019Zhaun Stribling<\/p>\n Deebo Samuel<\/p>\n Jordan Watkins<\/p>\n Demarcus Robinson<\/p>\n Jacob Cowing<\/p>\n Overview: Cowing\u2019s long punt return did not necessarily lock down a roster spot. But Shanahan offered this promising update: \u201cI like that he\u2019s making it (the decision) easier.\u201d Watkins is looking good. At his age, foot speed and contract status, he should be close to a lock to make the team, too. Robinson, Christian Kirk, Trenton Irwin, KhaDarel Hodge and Will Pauling are likely in competition for one spot.<\/p>\n Tight end (3)<\/p>\n George Kittle<\/p>\n Jake Tonges<\/p>\n Luke Farrell<\/p>\n Overview: The only change here is we\u2019re moving Kittle to the active roster from the physically-unable-to-perform list. Kittle might not travel to Australia for Week 1 against the Rams, but he is adamant that he will not begin the season on the PUP list. While appearing in the season opener remains a possibility, Kittle could benefit from continuing to condition in the Bay Area and avoid taking those long flights from San Francisco to Melbourne and back. Brayden Willis<\/a> has put together a nice training camp and should stick around as insurance on the practice squad.<\/p>\n Offensive line (9)<\/p>\n Trent Williams<\/p>\n Dominick Puni<\/p>\n Colton McKivitz<\/p>\n Jake Brendel<\/p>\n Connor Colby<\/p>\n Vederian Lowe<\/p>\n Robert Jones<\/p>\n Brett Toth<\/p>\n Carver Willis<\/p>\n Overview: Midway through Thursday\u2019s game, we penciled Austen Pleasants onto the 53-man roster. When he became the fourth player to enter the competition at left guard, there appeared to be a strong chance he would actually emerge as the Week 1 starter. But he sustained a knee injury that places his immediate future in question. Enrique Cruz is a tough call. He was a fifth-round pick who has all the physical tools to develop into a starter. If the 49ers waive him and no other team claims him, they could continue the process of developing him for the future.<\/p>\n Defensive line (9)<\/p>\n Nick Bosa<\/p>\n Osa Odighizuwa<\/p>\n Alfred Collins<\/p>\n Romello Height<\/p>\n CJ West<\/p>\n Keion White<\/p>\n Gracen Halton<\/p>\n Sam Okuayinonu<\/p>\n Bryson Eason<\/p>\n PUP \u2014 Mykel Williams<\/p>\n