The San Francisco 49ers signed nine players to the practice squad, and once Chris Harper arrives in Santa Clara, he will make number ten. Here is the list of the practice squad, as it currently stands.
WR Dres Anderson
OL Alex Balducci
OL Fahn Cooper
TE Je’Ron Hamm
CB Prince Charles Iworah
OL Norman Price
LB Marcus Rush
LB Shayne Skov
RB Kelvin Taylor
WR Chris Harper (awaiting his arrival)
This group will change throughout the season. Practice squad players can be signed to the team’s 53-man roster, they can be released from the practice squad, and they can be signed to another team’s 53-man roster. As the 49ers needs change from week-to-week, we’ll see changes.
The 49ers have had seemingly solid success with promoting practice squad players. I don’t know how their rate of promotions compares to other teams, but they have promoted some notable names. Alex Boone is probably the biggest name to go from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Last year, Andrew Tiller opened the season on the practice squad, but got a promotion and worked his way into a significant starting role.
Who from the group above seems most likely to earn some kind of role on the 53-man roster in 2016? Skov is an easy option given that he has special teams experience. The questions at wide receiver could open the door for Anderson or Harper. And of course, Marcus Rush did some good work in the pass rush, so if there are injuries or other issues, he could work his way back onto the roster.
I’ll go with Dres Anderson as my prediction for the first member of the current practice squad to get a spot on the 53-man roster. Who is your prediction?