49ers roster: 4 winners from second wave of preseason cuts
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers just finalized their second wave of roster cuts to get down to the 53 man roster, and there are some clear winners from the transactions.
It’s never a fun time to be on the fringes of an NFL roster, particularly in 2021 when the tiered stages of roster cut-downs are once again utilized.
The San Francisco 49ers, along with the other 31 teams across the league, had to get their preseason rosters down from 85 players, originally down from the offseason group of 90, to 80 by Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. ET.
The Niners’ first wave of cuts featured few surprises unless you were thinking backup quarterback Josh Rosen was going to hang around after a less-than-stellar preseason outing against the Kansas City Chiefs.
As for the second wave, San Francisco made the following transactions:
- Released
- DL Shilique Calhoun
- CB B.W. Webb
- Waived
- WR River Cracraft
- OL Corbin Kaufusi
- Injured reserve
- LB Mychal Kendricks
Everyone else on the 49ers’ roster bubble can breathe a sigh of relief for at least one more week.
The final wave of cuts will break some hearts and shatter some dreams, yes. And perhaps a few of the players on this list of winners following the second wave of cuts will be gone this time next week, too.
For now, though, these four have to be feeling a little better.
No. 4: 49ers Wide Receiver Richie James
He still might be playing his way off the 53-man roster. But fourth-year wide receiver Richie James survives another week despite dealing with all kinds of drops, both during training camp and the preseason.
James’ lone remaining attribute that hasn’t been shattered yet is on special teams in the return game, and Cracraft was one of those depth players at the same position potentially challenging James for a returning job.
Even though James’ spot on the 53-man roster is still awfully precarious, one less challenger does mean his chances improve.
Albeit slightly. He’ll have to show an ability to hold onto the ball in the Niners’ final exhibition game of the year before Week 1.