Wow! The San Francisco 49ers made their final two moves to get down to 75 players by 1 p.m. PT, and one of them is big. The team cut outside linebacker Jason Fanaika, and placed wide receiver Bruce Ellington on injured reserve. Ellington suffered a hamstring injury on Friday, and Matt Barrows is reporting that it is a torn hamstring.
The 49ers can still bring Ellington back off IR due to the rule allowing for one player to return. They do not have to designate him for return, they can just bring him back later in the season. If his hamstring is completely torn, then it is highly unlikely he returns in time for the rest of the 2016 season. Never mind. He was seen dejected on the sidelines after his injury with a towel over his head, according to game-day reports, so I suppose this should not be quite so shocking news.
DeAndrew White has been the primary slot receiver in his place, and the 49ers also acquired Jeremy Kerley in a trade. Ellington handled the team’s return work as well. Kerley has punt return experience, but I imagine DeAndrew White is on the short list to help as well.
The next step will be cutting down from 75 to 53. They play their preseason finale on Thursday against the San Diego Chargers. They then have until 1 p.m. PT on Saturday to announce their final roster cuts down to 53 players. Here’s the current roster
|
QB Blaine Gabbert RB Carlos Hyde WR Torrey Smith |
TE Vance McDonald OT Joe Staley OG Zane Beadles C Daniel Kilgore |
DL Arik Armstead ILB NaVorro Bowman OLB Ahmad Brooks |
CB Tramaine Brock S Eric Reid K Phil Dawson P Bradley Pinion LS Kyle Nelson |