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Fooch's Update: The 49ers signed offensive tackle Chris Martin to the practice squad. Some quick info on Martin from the 49ers PR folks:
Martin (6-5, 303) was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans on May 16, 2014. He was released on May 27and later signed with the New England Patriots on June 23. Martin spent training camp with New England before being signed to the team's practice squad on August 31. He was released by the Patriots on September 26 and was signed back to the New England's practice squad on October 8. He was released by the Patriots on October 13. The Texans signed Martin to their practice squad on November 12, and he was later released on November 25.
A 24-year-old native of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Martin played collegiately at the University of Central Florida, where he appeared in 46 games (27 starts).
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves with an opening on their practice squad. The Minnesota Vikings signed offensive lineman Carter Bykowski after placing linebacker Michael Mauti on injured reserve. As I understand it, the Vikings have had several injuries on the line, so Bykowski will provide some depth.
The 49ers currently have nine players on their practice squad. It includes:
DB Chance Casey
DB Marcus Cromartie
RB Kendall Gaskins
WR Lance Lewis
DL Lawrence Okoye
DT Mike Purcell
LB Shayne Skov
LB Chase Thomas
OG Andrew Tiller
My guess is they go offense with the final position given that they have six defensive players on the roster. I would guess tight end since Asante Cleveland will remain on the roster with Vance McDonald's injury. Or maybe they add another offensive lineman. The 49ers offensive line has been dealing with an assortment of injuries, so it might make sense to have an extra body available.
Just for the heck of it, how do you see the 49ers approaching the offensive line this offseason? Most of the line is signed into next year, with Joe Staley, Anthony Davis, Marcus Martin, and Daniel Kilgore all starters or potential starters signed beyond 2016. Brandon Thomas is one of the big question marks heading into the offseason. When the 49ers begin their offseason workout program, he will be a year removed from ACL surgery. The 49ers will hopefully have a pretty good idea of where he stands heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. My guess is they draft at least one lineman, but how early in the draft?