Hold up, NFL world. While everyone’s focused on the 49ers’ final roster cuts, a wild card just dropped: backup quarterback Mac Jones is already fielding trade offers. Seriously, teams are keeping tabs, and the Falcons are in the mix, hoping to snag him during the first half of the season.
The QB Room Chess Match
This whole Mac Jones situation is pure preseason drama. The Niners know they can probably get some solid value for him, but they’re playing it cool. The team’s not about to risk Jones getting hurt in Thursday’s preseason finale, especially with backup offensive linemen blocking for him. That’s why Kurtis Rourke isn’t even touching the field. Instead, we might see Mac play the first quarter, then Adrian Martinez take over for the final three, which honestly sounds “unfortunate for the receivers” trying to build chemistry. But here’s the kicker: despite the trade chatter, the team is still leaning towards keeping three quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster. It’s not a bold prediction, just good sense. They can always put Rourke on short-term Injured Reserve if they need to, but he’s not going anywhere long-term.
Running Backs and Receivers Looking for Flights
Elsewhere on the roster, things are a little less dramatic. The running back room is actually pretty settled, thanks to Christian McCaffrey and Jordan James both being back at practice. Kaelon Black, who looked legit in his preseason debut, is set to get some good carries on Thursday. James, after missing a bunch of August, probably gets a longer look too. You’ll see Black and James tearing it up in the first half, then Sincere McCormick and Khalil Herbert taking over for the second. No surprises here, McCaffrey, Black, James, and Kyle Juszczyk are the guys. McCormick can come up from the practice squad if needed. The Isaac Guerendo “experiment” either wraps up or he’s headed for IR.
Then you got the wideouts, and get this: five of ’em already have “seats on a plane to Australia.” Yeah, you read that right. Deebo Samuel, De’Zhaun Stribling (even though he could use the reps), and Demarcus Robinson are locks. Plus, Jacob Cowing, despite recovering from a groin injury, is making the roster, and the Niners’ social media team even dropped a video of him on Wednesday. Mike Evans is also out with a groin injury, so he’s not playing tonight either. Christian Kirk is an Injured Reserve candidate, and Jordan Watkins, who only did kick coverage in the last game, absolutely needs to step up and make some difficult plays tonight if he wants a real shot.
So, as the preseason finale rolls around on Thursday night, it’s not just about winning or losing. For a few guys, it’s about proving they belong on that 53-man roster or at least landing on the practice squad. With Mac Jones potentially on the move and some receivers literally prepping for a trip to Australia, this isn’t your average meaningless game. Every snap counts for those trying to make a name for themselves.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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