The San Francisco 49ers’ 53-man roster battle is heating up as roster cutdown decisions get closer. David Lombardi breaks down his latest 49ers 53-man roster projection, depth chart battles, injury situations and potential surprise cuts as Kyle Shanahan and Raheem Morris continue shaping the roster for the 2026 NFL season.
Who’s in? Who’s on the bubble? And which young players could force their way onto the final roster?
We break down the quarterback depth chart behind Brock Purdy, including Kurtis Rourke and Mac Jones, the uncertainty surrounding Isaac Guerendo and the running back room, Deebo Samuel’s unique roster flexibility, major offensive line decisions and several intriguing battles on defense.
Plus, a closer look at Raheem Morris’ evolving “Feverback” philosophy, the competition along the defensive line and linebacker corps, and which young 49ers could make the biggest push before final cuts.
KEY TOPICS:
• 49ers 53-man roster projection and potential surprise cuts
• Brock Purdy, Kurtis Rourke and the quarterback depth chart
• Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor Jr. and the running back battle
• Deebo Samuel’s hybrid role and its impact on roster construction
• Will Pauling’s path through wide receiver and special teams
• George Kittle, Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell at tight end
• Enrique Cruz Jr. and the offensive line competition
• Nick Bosa, Osa Odighizuwa and the defensive front
• Sebastian Valdez vs. James Thompson Jr. for a roster spot
• Jaden Dugger, Tatum Bethune and the “Feverback” strategy
• Secondary and special teams roster decisions
• What to watch during the upcoming joint practices with the Chargers
Read David Lombardi’s full 49ers 53-man roster breakdown at the San Francisco Standard: https://sfstandard.com/2026/08/16/49ers-53-man-roster-preview-bubble-kyle-shanahan/
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 49ers 53-Man Roster Projection
00:52 Kurtis Rourke & QB Depth Chart
01:34 Brock Purdy & 49ers QB Outlook
02:26 Isaac Guerendo & Patrick Taylor Jr.
03:56 PUP List & Roster Rules
05:52 Deebo Samuel & WR Depth
07:37 Will Pauling & Special Teams
09:05 George Kittle, Jake Tonges & Luke Farrell
11:31 Enrique Cruz Jr. & Colton McKivitz
15:38 Raheem Morris’ “Feverback” Strategy
16:29 Nick Bosa & Osa Odighizuwa
18:43 Sebastian Valdez vs. James Thompson Jr.
22:15 Tatum Bethune & Jaden Dugger
30:33 Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green & Malik Mustapha
32:58 Corliss Waitman & Jake Moody
34:08 49ers-Chargers Joint Practice Preview
37:46 Alfred Collins Update & Q&A
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