Golden Nuggets: Jaquiski Tartt changes his number to No. 3; Elijah Mitchell is now No. 25

Jaquiski Tartt came out to Wednesday’s practice with a new jersey. He’ll wear No. 3 now. That means the 49ers starting secondary wears No. 1-4. Elijah Mitchell also changed his jersey number. He’s now wearing No. 25 instead of No. 49.

Here’s a look at the jersey numbers on the practice squad:

Jared Mayden No. 35, was No. 7.

Alex Barrett No. 58, was No. 64.

Darrion Daniels No. 67, was No. 65.

Senio Kelemente No. 61, was No. 58.

Jared Mayden No. 35, was No. 7.

Alex Barrett No. 58, was No. 64.

Darrion Daniels No. 67, was No. 65.

Senio Kelemente No.61, was No. 58.4.

Ranking NFL’s worst-to-first candidates entering 2021 season: Can 49ers rise in NFC West?

1. San Francisco 49ers

2020 record: 6-10

Odds to win NFC West: +200

The 49ers actually finished the 2020 season with the best record (6-10) of any last-place team, and although that doesn’t make you a contender, they probably feel pretty good about themselves heading into 2021. The fact that the 49ers were able to win even six games was a minor miracle and that’s because it seemed like everyone on the roster got injured at one point or another last season.

With a healthy roster, there’s no reason the 49ers can’t emulate what they did in 2019 when they won the division on their way to the Super Bowl. Although the NFC West is arguably the toughest division in football, that might not end up being a big issue for the 49ers, who have gone 8-4 in the division over the past two years.

John Lynch shares thoughts on keeping Jalen Hurd, says 49ers have ‘a plan’ at punt returner

“We have a plan, and there’s a number of guys who’ve been working on that during the preseason,” Lynch said. “We feel quite good about our plan. I will say — they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. I think in this business, so is getting your players poached off the waiver wire.”

“I think there’s some level of projection,” Lynch responded. “... Jalen has some special skills, some unique skills, and has a variety of them. He’s got a lot of versatility to his game. He knows it. We know it. You have to show that you can be dependable, that you can be out there.

49ers rookie QB Trey Lance’s injured finger healing

“It’s trending in the right direction,” general manager John Lynch said Wednesday. “Some of the swelling is coming down. Monday is kind of an optimistic look at it. I can promise you this, we’ll do right by Trey and have him in a good place before he’s back out there. We certainly would love to have him available on Monday.”

Biggest surprises in 49ers final roster cuts

The discussion about the 49ers receiving corps exiting the final preseason game surrounded Travis Benjamin and Nsimba Webster – the two receivers with experience as punt and kick returners. Neither wound up landing on the initial 53-man roster with Jauan Jennings and Jalen Hurd both making the cut instead. There’s a chance one or both players winds up back in Santa Clara, but the first version of the roster will have neither player on it and rookie running back Elijah Mitchell looks to be first in line to return kicks.

Kyle Shanahan Should Make His Own Decisions for the 49ers

In his illustrious coaching career, the legendary coach had to make critical decisions on quarterbacks. First, the decision made as Cleveland Browns head coach did not go as intended. Bernie Kosar was the starting quarterback on the team, and Belichick did not like him. But Kosar was well-loved by the city of Cleveland. Belichick cut Kosar during the mid of the 1993 season in favor of Vinny Testaverde. The Browns owner Art Modell supported his head coach’s decision, but the backslash was enormous. There were threats made to Belichick’s life, and fans never forgave him.