5 Injuries that Could Reshape the 49ers' Roster Plans

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

5 Injuries that Could Reshape the 49ers' Roster Plans

Originally posted on San Francisco 49ers on SI
By Parker Hurley | Last updated Aug 23, 2026 9:00 AM ET

The San Francisco 49ers are now one week away from the 53-man roster deadline. While they will provide clarity on who makes the team, a few injury situations that are currently unclear might determine how the 49ers roster is sorted out.

Which are the most important injury statuses to watch, as they could impact who makes the roster?

5 Must-Watch Injury Updates for the 49ers this week

George Kittle

Kittle will be the biggest one to watch between now and the start of the season. All indications are that if Kittle does not return in Week 1, he will be back shortly after. He is currently on the PUP, but if he enters the season on the PUP, he will have to miss six games. The 49ers do not plan on him missing that many games.

So, when will they activate him? More than that, if he is activated and not available for Week 1, do the 49ers have to carry an extra tight end? They cannot go into Week 1 with Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell as their only healthy tight ends.

If a fourth tight end makes the team, it takes away from another position group, though.

Mykel Williams

Mykel Williams is on the PUP, and his status for Week 1 appears to be even more in doubt. The 49ers have a much tougher debate to leave Williams on the PUP, considering the timing and severity of his injury. Still, without Williams, the team has Nick Bosa, who has been eased back from an injury, rookie Romello Height, Keion White, who is coming back from injury, and depth piece Sam Okuayinonu.

If he is out, Okuayinonu becomes a roster lock, and they might want to add one more player.

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Nate Hobbs

Hobbs has a strained groin. He is expected to miss a couple of weeks. Still, he has hardly practiced all summer and is already new to the team. He was activated, so he would have to be placed on IR with a designation to return if he is not on the initial 53-man roster.

Jordan James

James has fractured ribs, and his timeline to return is unclear. He is another IR with a designation to return candidate if he cannot get back soon. Still, without him, the team is thin at running back, and someone like Sincere McCormick might sneak onto the roster.

Vederian Lowe

Lowe came off the PUP and immediately sprained his ankle. Neither Austen Pleasants nor Enrique Cruz made him expendable when he was out. If Lowe is ready for Week 1, one of those two will likely get cut. If not, they have to find a way to get all three onto the roster. It could mean IR with designation to return for Lowe.

This article first appeared on San Francisco 49ers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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