It would appear Joshua Garnett, and potentially Erik Magnuson will survive roster cuts. The San Francisco 49ers are releasing veteran guard Jonathan Cooper, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.
Cooper spent the offseason recovering from January MCL surgery, but it took him well into training camp to get into practice. That put him well behind the eight ball in competing with Mike Person and Joshua Garnett for the right guard spot. Cooper played in the final two preseason games, playing all but two snaps in the preseason finale.
The 49ers gave Cooper a $2 million signing bonus, and as much as $2 million in a salary guarantee. It’s not entirely clear how much of that latter $2 million was fully guaranteed vs. just for injury, but either way, the 49ers are eating a sizable chunk of change.
Person had the edge at right guard, but Garnett was coming on strong the final two weeks of the preseason. Kyle Shanahan said the team likely would not make the RG starter public until game day.
In the meantime, Erik Magnuson is a strong bet to make the roster. He injured his hamstring, and Shanahan suggested it might lead to a short term stay on injured reserve. However, Matt Maiocco reported on Friday that Magnuson might be back sooner than the previously reported six-to-eight week window.