NFL teams are regularly working out players as they try and figure out how best to fill holes and improve the roster. On Tuesday, the 49ers signed Cameron Hunt to the practice squad, but per Adam Caplan, they also worked out guard Jake Eldrenkamp and center Anthony Fabiano. They will likely work out more players this week, including a safety to provide depth while Adrian Colbert is out.
Last week, the 49ers were actually quite busy with workouts. Injuries opened up some roster spots, and we saw them sign Louis Murphy, Logan Paulsen, and Antone Exum to provide depth. According to a league source, they reached those decisions while also working out defensive backs John Boyett, Trovon Reed, and Damian Swann, tight end Hunter Krieger-Coble, and wide receivers Cyril Grayson, Chris Harper, Francis Owusu, Jordan Payton, and Domonique Young.
Workouts are not always about adding a player right now. A league source indicated the 49ers also worked out punter Chase Tenpenny last week. Bradley Pinion is putting together a great season, but the 49ers could be getting a jump on scouting players for reserve/future contracts after the season ends. If a player ends the season on a practice squad or not on an NFL roster, he can sign a reserve/future contract with another team. Teams can give the player some bonus money, but there are generally few if any salary guarantees.
The 49ers will have plenty of time in January to get players signed and take care of business, but I suppose there is no harm in getting some workouts in and getting a jump on things. It’s not quite the same mad dash for signings like UDFAs after the NFL Draft ends, but it is good to be prepared.