The San Francisco 49ers are ripping into their roster right now, slashing that massive 90-man squad down to a lean 53 players. But trust me, the cuts aren’t the whole story. Those who don’t make the 53-man roster still have a shot at landing on the practice squad, and that’s a move that’s going to be absolutely crucial for their Week 1 clash against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
The Secret Weapon for Week 1 Prep
This isn’t some minor league deal, folks. The practice squad is HUGE. These players travel with the team, they grind through practice just like anyone else on the active roster. They’re doing the exact same work, pushing the starters, prepping for game day matchups. They just don’t suit up under the lights. But make no mistake, their role in getting the 49ers ready for that Week 1 battle against the Rams is absolutely critical.
An NFL practice squad rolls with 17 players. One of those spots is carved out for an NFL International Pathway Program participant. Then you’ve got room for six veterans, with no cap on how much experience they’ve got. The final ten spots are strictly for rookies or second-year players. Right now, all 17 spots are wide open, which means the 49ers have tons of flexibility. They even get to designate four protected players from that squad, which basically means other teams can’t poach ’em. Plus, two players can get a one-week bump to the active roster, then return to the squad. If they play a second consecutive week, though, the team has to offer them a full one-year deal. What’s the endgame here? The 49ers want both young talent they can mold over the season and reliable backups ready to step up when injuries inevitably hit.
Key Names Emerging for Down Under
Matt Maiocco confirmed that Isaac Alarcon will fill that International Player Pathway exemption after his release, securing one of those 17 spots. And here’s where it gets interesting: Maiocco also dropped a hint that running back Khalil Herbert, wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, and edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo are all expected to be on the plane for Australia on Wednesday. Are these handshake deals to join the practice squad after being cut from the 53, or did they actually make the initial roster? We’re on the edge of our seats waiting to find out, but either way, they are definitely in the mix.
And talk about a curveball! The Ravens just cut Adisa Isaac, a former third-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft. This dude has been battling a long list of injuries in his short career, but a young pass rusher like that is going to draw serious interest from teams. Could the 49ers make a move and snag him for their practice squad? It’s definitely something to watch.
The Week 1 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, is going to be electric. The Rams are the designated home team, but without their usual field advantage, the playing field is leveled in a big way. The 49ers are sitting as 3.5-point underdogs over at FanDuel Sportsbook, so every single player, every single roster move, every single practice squad decision, matters. Keep your eyes peeled for those final practice squad spots getting filled, because these strategic calls could absolutely make or break their early season momentum.
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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