49ers set initial 53-man roster for 2021 regular season

The 49ers got down to their initial 53-man roster, but they have a lot more they will be keeping in their building for the season.

The club can add up to six veterans on their 16-player practice squad.

In addition, the 49ers hope to add running back Jeff Wilson Jr. and safety Tarvarius Moore at some point. Both players were placed on the physically unable to perform list and will be eligible to play later in the season, if they get healthy enough to perform.

Here is a look at the 49ers' initial 53-man roster:

Quarterbacks (2)

Jimmy Garoppolo

Trey Lance

The 49ers kept two quarterbacks on the opening roster. They are taking a calculated gamble that no team will pick up Nate Sudfeld, who is likely ticketed for the practice squad.

Running backs (5)

Raheem Mostert

Kyle Juszczyk (FB)

Trey Sermon

Elijah Mitchell

JaMycal Hasty

A year ago, Wayne Gallman Jr. led the New York Giants in rushing. This season, he does not make the initial cut with the 49ers. Hasty and Mitchell pick up the final two roster spots behind Mostert and Sermon.

Wide receiver (6)

Brandon Aiyuk

Deebo Samuel

Trent Sherfield

Mohamed Sanu

Jalen Hurd

Jauan Jennings

The 49ers went with some big bodies, as Sanu, Hurd and Jennings earn roster spots. Hurd is envisioned as a matchup problem for opposing defenses because of his size and skills. Jennings, a 2020 seventh-round draft pick, won the job with a strong camp. Don't be surprised if Travis Benjamin or Nsimba Webster return some time soon.

Tight end (3)

George Kittle

Ross Dwelley

Charlie Woerner

The 49ers go with three tight ends, but veteran MyCole Pruitt could be back. He is a blocking specialist who could be used in short-yardage situations.

Offensive line (8)

Trent Williams

Laken Tomlinson

Alex Mack

Daniel Brunskill

Mike McGlinchey

Jaylon Moore

Aaron Banks

Tom Compton

Brunskill will serve as the in-game backup center while also starting at right guard, They are likely to re-sign Jake Brendel for the practice squad. Compton made it over second-year guard Colton McKivitz, in what could be considered a mild surprise.

Defensive line (11)

Nick Bosa

Arik Armstead

Javon Kinlaw

Samson Ebukam

Dee Ford

D.J. Jones

Kevin Givens

Kentavius Street

Maurice Hurst

Zach Kerr

Arden Key

The 49ers kept it simple on the defensive line: They kept everyone. Hurst is likely ticketed for injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain. That will open up a roster spot for someone else on Wednesday. He can return after three weeks. The 49ers built great depth on the defensive line, and general manager John Lynch decided to hold on to everyone. Jordan Willis has an opportunity to return after serving a six-game suspension.

Linebacker (5)

Fred Warner

Dre Greenlaw

Azeez Al-Shaair

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles

Marcell Harris

The 49ers traded Jonas Griffith to the Denver Broncos. That made it easy. These are the five who earned roster spots. Justin Hilliard or Elijah Sullivan could be back on the practice squad.

Cornerback (6)

Jason Verrett

Emmanuel Moseley

K’Waun Williams

Deommodore Lenoir

Ambry Thomas

Davontae Harris

Dontae Johnson did not make the cut, as the 49ers went with Harris over him. But the 49ers can keep him close. Johnson is reliable, and could be brought up to the active roster in a pinch to serve a key role.

Safety (4)

Jimmie Ward

Jaquiski Tartt

Talanoa Hufanga

Tavon Wilson

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix could have a spot on the practice squad, as it is unlikely another team will grab him for their 53-man roster. The 49ers have to be prepared if Tartt's toe acts up.

RELATED: Lance expected to miss week with fracture on throwing hand

 

Specialists (3)

Robbie Gould (K)

Mitch Wishnowsky (P)

Taybor Pepper (LS)

This is as straight-forward as it gets.

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