5 roster moves 49ers must make now after playoff-dooming loss to Rams

The 49ers are all but eliminated from the playoffs, so making these five roster moves to close out the season would be wise.

Mathematically, the San Francisco 49ers aren't quite eliminated from postseason contention just yet, even though their 12-6 Thursday Night Football defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams effectively just ended the Niners' hopes of playing deep into January.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Monday that he'd worry about 2025 once 2025 rolls around, but San Francisco can essentially start a lot of that prep work now over its final three games of the season.

And that can all start with some fairly easy-to-grasp roster transactions and depth-chart moves.

No. 1: Release LB De'Vondre Campbell

This one is straightforward, expected and imminent.

After refusing to enter the game in the third quarter when linebacker Dre Greenlaw was dealing with a minor injury, Campbell subsequently walked off the field and into the locker room, more or less quitting on his team and teammates.

The 2021 All-Pro received harsh words of criticism from teammates, coaches and NFL analysts alike in the immediate aftermath, and Shanahan all but confirmed Campbell wouldn't be on the roster by the time Week 16 rolls around.

It's important to recall Campbell wasn't even the 49ers' first choice to fill in for Greenlaw after the latter tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl last February (now-Dallas Cowboys backer Eric Kendricks was), but it's good to know the Niners seem united in making the call on Campbell's immediate San Francisco tenure.

No. 2: Shut down OT Trent Williams

This one might be a bit tougher, as Williams likely has performance- and appearance-based incentives worked into his contract, and his own competitive nature suggests he'd want to get back on the field despite a nagging ankle injury that's sidelined him the last four weeks.

However, the latest from Shanahan suggests it's been a tough road back for the perennial All-Pro, and a relatively meaningless final slate of games doesn't exactly provide the context for a rushed return.

If Williams is OK with it, it'd be wiser to place him on injured reserve in order to rest, recover and heal up for 2025, another campaign in which he'll be 37 years old.

Meanwhile, the vacant left tackle job can be manned by someone who's also vying for his future, soon-to-be free-agent backup lineman Jaylon Moore, who'll want to put as much good game tape out there before he hits the market.

No. 3: Move Ricky Pearsall to WR2 behind Jauan Jennings

After venting frustrations on social media, wide receiver Deebo Samuel was given plenty of chances to take over Week 15 despite what's been a frustrating season for the 2021 All-Pro.

Yet Samuel failed to capitalize, catching just three passes on seven targets for 16 yards and also dropping a brutal would-be catch that could have netted the 49ers a touchdown.

Samuel may no longer be part of the Niners' long-term plans, but Pearsall certainly is as a first-round NFL Draft rookie.

Jennings has effectively been San Francisco's top wideout this season, and that can remain in place. But, Pearsall should be getting Deebo-like snaps over the final three games.

No. 4: Sign C Kingsley Eguakun off Lions practice squad

The 49ers could use an upgrade and long-term option at center over Jake Brendel this offseason, but the auditions should begin happening now.

One possible idea is to pluck a developmental piece from a team that's invested heavily in its offensive line in recent years, the Detroit Lions, who have a rookie by the name of Eguakun hanging around on the practice squad.

Eguakun wasn't a high-profile prospect entering 2024, but he's certainly enjoyed some excellent tutelage under Lions O-line coach Hank Fraley.

The Niners would have to sign Eguakun to their 53-man roster to make it work, but with no immediate option to rightfully back up Brendel, it'd be worth the short-term look.

No. 5: Promote QB Tanner Mordecai to the 53-man roster

Mordecai was an experienced collegiate prospect when San Francisco grabbed him as an undrafted free agent last April, and it's something of a shock the former Wisconsin signal-caller wasn't drafted.

The 49ers know what they have in veteran backups to Brock Purdy, Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs, and neither truly fits into their long-term plans.

Purdy will likely want to see the field in Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals, if for no other reason than to play the regular-season finale in his home state. But, it wouldn't be that disastrous of an idea to at least name Mordecai to the 53-man roster and perhaps -- get this -- even give him a shot under center in what's essentially a meaningless game.

If Mordecai shows some pluck and ability, as was the case during his limited preseason action last August, he might be worth further development and could alleviate the need for either Allen or Dobbs in 2025.

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