The San Francisco 49ers are definitely making moves, releasing defensive lineman Vincent Anthony Jr. from their practice squad just a day after bringing Matthew Judon into the fold. This looks like a direct swap, and Anthony Jr. probably wasn’t getting elevated to the active roster anytime soon.
Judon’s Immediate Impact
Head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned they had a workout with Judon over the weekend. The plan is to get him in with the team on Wednesday, see his shape, and what he can pick up in their scheme. Shanahan’s hoping they can get him caught up fast to make him an option to help. He wants him on the field ASAP, that’s clear.
A Flurry of New Faces
The moves didn’t stop there. The NFL’s transaction wire shows the Niners also worked out five receivers and three defensive backs. Think Dante Pettis, Malik Turner, and Quentin Skinner, an undrafted 2025 NFL Draft pick at 6’5″, 195 pounds. Plus, Brenden Rice, Jerry Rice’s son, a 2024 seventh-round pick listed at 6’3″, 210 pounds. Fans probably figured Turner would be back with all the injuries. On defense, they brought in Sam Webb, Cobee Bryant, and Corey Ballentine. Bryant played 93 snaps at cornerback for the Falcons as a rookie, while Ballentine has been bouncing around since 2019. Oh, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson was listed as the QB for a tryout, but let’s be honest, that was likely just to throw to all those receivers.
This much activity this early in the season shows the 49ers are clearly evaluating their depth. With Judon bolstering the D-line and a bunch of workout guys getting a look, it’s clear they’re trying to find pieces that fit fast. These early moves could tell us a lot about their strategy moving forward.
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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