The San Francisco 49ers made a quick move this week, snatching up veteran tight end Jack Stoll for their practice squad. This all went down fast after tight end Jake Tonges and defensive tackle Alfred Collins both landed on the injury report. The Niners were already scrambling, having brought in another defensive tackle to the practice squad earlier on Tuesday. It shows you how suddenly things can change when the injury bug bites.
The Tight End Shuffle and Other Tryouts
When you need bodies, you call in whoever is available, right? The 49ers tried out five players, looking for immediate help. On the tight end side, they brought in Lawrence Cager and Tanner Conner alongside Stoll. Cager, a 29-year-old, has been around the league since 2020, playing for the Jets and Giants. But get this: he has not even seen a regular season game since 2023. His best year was 2022, with 13 catches for 118 yards. Then there is Tanner Conner, who went undrafted in 2022 and spent his rookie contract with the Dolphins, pulling in nine passes for 91 yards last season. These are guys looking for a break, but Stoll’s resume just screams “experience.”
Stoll’s Edge and Defensive Reinforcements
Seriously, Jack Stoll coming to a practice squad after 32 career starts? That is some serious mileage for a guy just getting a look. Stoll played for the Eagles from 2021 through 2024, and last season alone he started four games for the Saints, catching six passes for 46 yards. The word out there is, “At his size and with his experience, Stoll probably has the best shot to make the roster.” You can see why. The 49ers need reliable hands with Tonges out.
They also beefed up the defensive line, trying out Larry Ogunjobi and Daniel Ekuale. Ogunjobi is a name most fans know, right? The 32-year-old has been in the NFL since 2017, last playing for the Bills in 2025, where he had five tackles for loss. If that dude still has some gas in the tank, the Niners would absolutely bring him in. Ekuale, also 32, is a different story. He has been around since 2019 but his experience does not stack up to Ogunjobi’s, with 16 starts for the Patriots in 2024 being his high mark. He was with the Steelers last year, so he has bounced around a bit.
What This Means for the Niners’ Depth
This move for Stoll is all about shoring up depth, plain and simple. Injuries are a brutal part of the game, and when two guys go down at once, you gotta react. Stoll brings a ton of NFL snaps to a practice squad spot, giving the 49ers a ready option if they need to elevate him. It is a pragmatic play to ensure they have experienced hands ready to roll if more tight end issues pop up. For a team trying to stay competitive, having a guy like Stoll waiting in the wings could be surprisingly crucial down the line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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