SANTA CLARA — The state of the 49ers’ roster is constantly evolving.
The 49ers have now played two preseason games, and there were three injuries coming out of the game that could impact their decision-making when it is time for roster reductions around the league from 90 to 53 players.
Offensive lineman Austen Pleasants is in a strong position to make the team, but he sustained a knee injury that will determine his fate when the season opens. Linebacker Nick Martin and cornerback Renardo Green sustained hamstring injuries that factor prominently into the team’s numbers game.
Teams must trim their rosters to the 53-player limit by Sunday, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m.
After two preseason games, here is how we currently envision the 49ers’ regular-season roster:
Quarterback (3)
Brock Purdy
Mac Jones
Kurtis Rourke
Overview: Rourke sustained fractured ribs in the 49ers’ first preseason game, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan reports. But Rourke showed enough in that brief performance to make it too risky for the 49ers to subject him to waivers. After all, he could be the 49ers’ backup quarterback to open the 2027 season. Adrian Martinez showed some dual-threat skills, but it will be difficult to break into this top three.
Running back (5)
Christian McCaffrey
Kyle Juszczyk
Kaelon Black
Jordan James
Sincere McCormick
Overview: McCormick makes the cut in our latest projection in place of Patrick Taylor Jr., whom the 49ers placed on injured reserve just hours before the game Thursday in Los Angeles. Taylor sustained an adductor injury during practice on Tuesday. The 49ers’ top spots appear locked up with McCaffrey, Juszczyk, Black and James. Isaac Guerendo has yet to enter the competition as he rehabs from offseason surgery to repair a torn pectoral.
Wide receiver (6)
Mike Evans
De’Zhaun Stribling
Deebo Samuel
Jordan Watkins
Demarcus Robinson
Jacob Cowing
Overview: Cowing’s long punt return did not necessarily lock down a roster spot. But Shanahan offered this promising update: “I like that he’s making it (the decision) easier.” Watkins is looking good. At his age, foot speed and contract status, he should be close to a lock to make the team, too. Robinson, Christian Kirk, Trenton Irwin, KhaDarel Hodge and Will Pauling are likely in competition for one spot.
Tight end (3)
George Kittle
Jake Tonges
Luke Farrell
Overview: The only change here is we’re moving Kittle to the active roster from the physically-unable-to-perform list. Kittle might not travel to Australia for Week 1 against the Rams, but he is adamant that he will not begin the season on the PUP list. While appearing in the season opener remains a possibility, Kittle could benefit from continuing to condition in the Bay Area and avoid taking those long flights from San Francisco to Melbourne and back. Brayden Willis has put together a nice training camp and should stick around as insurance on the practice squad.
Offensive line (9)
Trent Williams
Dominick Puni
Colton McKivitz
Jake Brendel
Connor Colby
Vederian Lowe
Robert Jones
Brett Toth
Carver Willis
Overview: Midway through Thursday’s game, we penciled Austen Pleasants onto the 53-man roster. When he became the fourth player to enter the competition at left guard, there appeared to be a strong chance he would actually emerge as the Week 1 starter. But he sustained a knee injury that places his immediate future in question. Enrique Cruz is a tough call. He was a fifth-round pick who has all the physical tools to develop into a starter. If the 49ers waive him and no other team claims him, they could continue the process of developing him for the future.
Defensive line (9)
Nick Bosa
Osa Odighizuwa
Alfred Collins
Romello Height
CJ West
Keion White
Gracen Halton
Sam Okuayinonu
Bryson Eason
PUP — Mykel Williams
Overview: There is a lot of competition for the final spot along the interior of the defensive line. Last week, we gave the edge to James Thompson Jr. Now, we’re shifting to Eason, while also giving strong consideration to Sebastian Valdez. The 49ers will get a boost during the season when Williams is cleared to return to action. He will be a benefit to the defensive line due to his ability to play edge on base downs and move inside to rush the passer.
Linebacker (5)
Fred Warner
Dre Greenlaw
Jaden Dugger
Tatum Bethune
Nick Martin
Overview: This is a tough call, but the 49ers have a lot of versatility with their backup players. Garret Wallow has done enough to win a roster spot. And if Martin’s hamstring injury will keep him out for an extended period of time, then, yes, Wallow should clearly make it. Luke Gifford was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team for special teams. He has been out with a hamstring injury, and he faces stiff competition to retain his spot.
Cornerback (6)
Deommodore Lenoir
Renardo Green
Upton Stout
Jack Jones
Darrell Luter
Ephesians Prysock
Overview: The number of cornerbacks the 49ers keep on their 53-man roster might come down to Green’s health. He sustained a hamstring injury on Thursday night. Jones is slotted to take over as the starter for as long as Green is out. Luter is more game-ready than Prysock. But the 49ers need to keep Prysock around because they do not want to lose him. It seems as if some team would claim Prysock if the 49ers took the chance of waiving him with the intention of bringing him back to the practice squad.
Safety (4)
Malik Mustapha
Ji’Ayir Brown
Marques Sigle
Ashtyn Davis
Overview: Davis has history with special-teams coordinator Brant Boyer. He is also younger than Siran Neal, who is more than deserving of a spot on the 53-man roster. Neal is a special-teams ace, but Davis has more flexibility to fit in as a backup safety, too. Mustapha is aiming to be ready for the start of the season after missing extended time in training camp with a hamstring injury.
Special teams (3)
K Eddy Piñeiro
P Corliss Waitman
LS Jon Weeks
Overview: The one competition is over. Waitman was anointed the winner, as the 49ers cut undrafted rookie punter Jack Bouwmeester because they badly needed players at other positions due to a rash of injuries.