Headlines

San Francisco 49ers News & Rumors

49ers Sign LB Eric Kendricks

By | at November 26, 2025 2:45 pm

The 49ers signed veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to their practice squad on Wednesday, per a team announcement.

Kendricks spent the first eight years of his career with the Vikings before a one-year stint with the Chargers in 2023. He nearly signed in San Francisco during the 2024 offseason before reversing course and joining the Cowboys instead. He started 15 games and led the team with 138 tackles, marking his ninth-straight season with at least 100 tackles. The 33-year-old did not re-sign in Dallas despite a significant late-season injury to DeMarvion Overshown that sidelined him into 2025.

Kendricks received little interest this offseason and declined an October invitation from the Ravens to join their practice squad. He turned Baltimore down for the same reason he spurned the 49ers last spring: his desire for guaranteed playing time, as opposed to fighting for a starting job or contributing to a rotation. San Francisco been losing defenders left and right this season, including multiple inside linebackers. Fred Warner went down with a season-ending injury in October and his replacement, Tatum Bethune, is expected to miss at least one more game with a high ankle sprain. That will give Kendricks an opportunity to play right away, which, this late in the season, was enough to motivate a signing.

Curtis Robinson replaced Bethune when he went down in Week 11 and got the start in Week 12. He struggled, earning just a 32.0 grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) and missed two of his four tackle attempts. Kendricks, a veteran with a strong history of place into his 30s, will likely be an upgrade that could help the 8-4 49ers secure a playoff spot. Despite their strong record, they still sit in third place in the NFC West and may need a wild card berth to make the postseason.

In a corresponding move to signing Kendricks, the 49ers released undrafted rookie linebacker Stone Blanton from their practice squad.

4 comments Baltimore Ravens Dallas Cowboys San Francisco 49ers Transactions

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/24/25

By | at November 24, 2025 6:19 pm

Today’s minor moves:

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Los Angeles Rams

San Francisco 49ers

The Bills should soon get some extra OL depth, as Grable returned to practice today. The former sixth-round pick landed on IR before the start of the season thanks to concussion symptoms, and that ended up keeping him off the practice field for months. Now, the Bills will have 21 days to consider adding the second-year player to the active roster. As a rookie in 2024, the UCF product got into four games (one start).

0 comments Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Cincinnati Bengals Los Angeles Rams San Francisco 49ers Transactions

49ers Voided WR Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 Guarantees In July

By | at November 23, 2025 3:13 pm

NOVEMBER 23: Shanahan said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) he and Aiyuk spoke early in training camp after the decision was made to alter the contract. He described those talks as “positive,” but things have clearly soured since then. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports, meanwhile, that Aiyuk is still considered close to being medically cleared for a return (video link). Whether or not he plays this season will remain something to monitor.

NOVEMBER 22: A Friday report pointed to a split between Brandon Aiyuk being likely for the 2026 offseason. The main reason pointing in that direction is the fact Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees have been voided in a move he has not challenged through the NFLPA.

When speaking to the media for the first time since Friday’s report, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Aiyuk’s future guarantees have indeed been voided. Notably, though, he clarified that move was made by the team in July. Shanahan did not specify why the contract adjustment took place.

“I’ve been coaching over 20 years and I’ve never been in a situation where a contract’s been voided,” he said, via Sam Jane, Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic (subscription required). “It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided. Never dealt with that. It was unusual, but it’s stuff I can’t get into right now.”

During the outset of training camp, Shanahan admitted he was “frustrated” with Aiyuk’s situation as it pertained to his knee rehab. ACL, MCL and meniscus tears ended the former first-rounder’s 2024 season after seven games. Aiyuk has not played since, despite a number of updates to his status suggesting a return would take place sometime in 2025. Shanahan added the 27-year-old is still considered week-to-week at this point, although it is unclear how much progress he has made in recovery.

Today’s Athletic piece on the situation notes how Aiyuk was a “mainstay” at practices during training camp and into September. Things changed afterwards, however, with Shanahan confirming the Arizona State product has missed meetings and other team activities recently. He added Aiyuk’s absences in meetings is not related to his contract but also reiterated the team’s frustration with an overall lack of communication in this case.

Tension between Aiyuk and Shanahan dates back several years, and it appeared at multiple points in 2024 as though a trade would end their time together in San Francisco. With a Steelers swap having been agreed to (and something Aiyuk was prepared to proceed with), a four-year, $120MM 49ers deal was instead ultimately worked out. That seemed to put an end to speculation about a parting of ways, but with no guaranteed money owed after the current season ends the team will be able to proceed with a release with relative ease.

The 49ers traded away Deebo Samuel this past offseason in a move which came as little surprise. That seemed to pave the way for Aiyuk and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall to operate as the team’s top receivers for years to come, but an Aiyuk release would leave San Francisco in need of another notable WR commitment this spring. Without him in the fold, the team ranks second in the league in passing offense so far this season.

A return to the lineup for the 7-4 49ers at any point would be welcomed given the impact Aiyuk – who topped 1,000 yards in 2022 and ’23, totaling 15 touchdowns in that span – could make on the field. It is clear no certainty exists on that front, however, and the team has obviously been preparing for a split since the summer. This will remain a key San Francisco storyline for the foreseeable future while a potential release approaches.

31 comments San Francisco 49ers

2025 Injured Reserve Return Tracker

By | at November 22, 2025 9:00 pm

The 2024 offseason brought a change in how teams could construct their 53-man rosters while retaining flexibility with injured players. Clubs were permitted to attach return designations to two players (in total) placed on IR or an NFI list before setting their initial rosters.

In prior years, anyone placed on IR before a team set its initial 53-man roster could not be activated in-season. All August 26 IR- or NFI-return designations, however, already count against teams’ regular-season limit of eight. Teams will be tasked with determining which players injured in-season will factor into activation puzzles as the year progresses.

All players designated for return on August 26 became eligible to be activated beginning in Week 5, though any player placed on IR after a team set its initial 53 has not been designated for return and therefore does not yet count toward a club’s eight-activation limit. Playoff teams will receive two additional injury activations once the postseason begins.

Here is how the 32 teams’ activation puzzles look for Week 16:

Arizona Cardinals

Reverted to season-ending IR:

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Atlanta Falcons

Reverted to season-ending IR:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

Baltimore Ravens

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Buffalo Bills

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Carolina Panthers

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

Chicago Bears

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 3

Cincinnati Bengals

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 2

Cleveland Browns

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

Dallas Cowboys

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 2

Denver Broncos

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

Detroit Lions

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 3

Green Bay Packers

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Houston Texans

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 3

Indianapolis Colts

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Jacksonville Jaguars

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Kansas City Chiefs

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Activations remaining: 6

Las Vegas Raiders

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

Los Angeles Chargers

Activated:

Activations remaining: 0

Los Angeles Rams

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 6

Miami Dolphins

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 3

Minnesota Vikings

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 3

New England Patriots

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 7

New Orleans Saints

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 6

New York Giants

Designated for return (Aug. 26):

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

New York Jets

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

Philadelphia Eagles

Reverted to season-ending IR:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 2

Pittsburgh Steelers

Reverted to season-ending IR:

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

San Francisco 49ers

Designated for return:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

Seattle Seahawks

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated: 

Activations remaining: 2

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 5

Tennessee Titans

Designated for return:

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

Washington Commanders

Eligible for activation:

Activated:

Activations remaining: 4

4 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets PFR Originals Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Washington Commanders

49ers Preparing To Cut WR Brandon Aiyuk?

By | at November 21, 2025 10:16 pm

Two years ago, the 49ers were riding high in a season that saw them reach the Super Bowl while four of their skills position players eclipsed 1,000 yards of offense — running back Christian McCaffrey eclipsed 2,000. Today’s 49ers are still in the thick of the hunt for the playoffs, and it’s a wonder they are, considering one of the abovementioned players is no longer on the team and another could soon follow.

According to Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic, the 49ers appear to be preparing to part ways with veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The telltale sign informing this report was the team’s decision to void the guaranteed money on Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, based on some of the receiver’s recent behavior.

Just before the start of the 2024 NFL season, the 49ers put an end to a lengthy, contentious contract negotiation, signing Aiyuk to a four-year, $120MM extension. Aiyuk had staged a hold in for 38 days after refusing to play on his fifth-year option and demanding a new contract. He even requested a trade and was linked to several teams throughout the hold in. Hold ins like that have been made popular in recent years as the 49ers have seen similar negotiations go sour before an eventual resolve late in the summer.

After putting their strife aside, a disappointing start to Aiyuk’s 2024 campaign went from bad to worse when he suffered a torn ACL seven weeks into the season. Aiyuk once again drew trade interest in the offseason, but it was Deebo Samuel who got shipped out to DC. When an Aiyuk-trade didn’t end up taking place by April, the focus shifted to a midseason return for the 27-year-old. As the start of the season and a placement on the reserve/physically unable to perform list drew nearer and nearer, Week 6 was disclosed as the target return date.

A little over a month ago, that target was pushed out to November, but his 21-day practice window remained unopened. Per Russini and Silver, there were things behind the scenes that contributed to the lack of clarity on a return plan, and some of those things contributed to a situation that now seems to be on the verge of divorce.

Reports out of the Bay Area claim that Aiyuk has been frequently absent in recent months, failing to attend meetings and declining to participate in other team activities. Additionally, the team has “grown increasingly frustrated with (Aiyuk’s) lack of communication.” The wideout is reportedly a ghost in the building, working out early in the morning and departing before teammates arrive. The report claims that numerous members of the team — both staff and players — have unsuccessfully reached out, attempting to reel Aiyuk back in.

This lack of communication and attendance led the 49ers to drastic measures. In response, San Francisco voided the 2026 guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract, “asserting that the absences amounted to a failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.” When approached by the NFL Players Association and asked if he wanted to push back with an official grievance, Aiyuk expressed that he had no interest. With no guarantees for next year, it’s expected the 49ers would release Aiyuk from his contract at the end of the season, making him a free agent.

According to Russini and Silver, there are still some in the building who are “holding out hope that the relationship can be salvaged” and that he might still make his debut this season, but reconciliation seems an unlikely result at this point. Now, those teams that were connected to Aiyuk after his trade request — the Steelers, Browns, and Patriots, who all could use a big upgrade at the position — will likely be watching this situation closely, hoping for Aiyuk’s eventual release.

62 comments Newsstand San Francisco 49ers

Robert Saleh Expected To Draw HC Interest

By | at November 21, 2025 10:13 pm

49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is expected to draw head coaching interest during this offseason’s hiring cycle, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

Saleh, 46, had a difficult tenure as the head coach of the Jets from 2021 to 2024. He quickly turned the league’s 32nd-ranked defense into one of the league’s best, but he could never get a handle on the offensive side of the ball, due in large part to poor quarterback play from Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.

Saleh’s first offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur, actually improved the offense from 2021 to 2022, but a rough stretch at the end of his second season led to his dismissal. Nathaniel Hackett took over in 2023 as part of Joe Douglas’ ill-fated pursuit of Rodgers and was clearly not up to the task. Saleh’s struggles in New York could also be attributed to questionable roster management from general manager Joe Douglas and interference from owner Woody Johnson.

Saleh was fired just five games into the 2024 season and quickly reunited with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco this offseason. The 49ers defense ranks 25th in total defense but 15th in points allowed. The uninspiring results are understandable given major injuries to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, their two best defenders. Edge rushers Yetur Gross-Matos and Mykel Williams have also been on injured reserve.

Despite being fired midseason, Saleh interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Cowboys, Jaguars, and Raiders, and was reportedly Jacksonville’s No. 2 choice behind Liam Coen. That shows that NFL teams still believe Saleh is a capable head coach who may not have been given a fair shake in New York. He also has plenty of relationships with young coaches from the Shanahan-Sean McVay tree that teams will covet as potential offensive coordinator hires.

Since leaving New York, LaFleur has been McVay’s offensive coordinator in Los Angeles but could jump at the chance to call plays again. If Mike McDaniel is fired in Miami, he could reunite with Saleh after the two spent time together under Shanahan in San Francisco.

Saleh will still have to nail his interviews and sell a new team on his vision for the future. After his experience in New York, he may be looking for more synergy with ownership and the front office

57 comments San Francisco 49ers

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/19/25

By | at November 19, 2025 7:13 pm

Here are today’s practice squad transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Dallas Cowboys

Houston Texans

Los Angeles Rams

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

San Francisco 49ers

0 comments Arizona Cardinals Carolina Panthers Dallas Cowboys Houston Texans Los Angeles Rams New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Giants San Francisco 49ers Transactions

49ers Sign K Matt Gay

By | at November 19, 2025 4:56 pm

Eddy Pineiro has handled kicking duties in the wake of the 49ers moving on from Jake Moody early in the season. Another contributor in that regard will be needed for at least one week.

Pineiro is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, head coach Kyle Shanahan said (via Matt Barrows of The Athletic). He is week-to-week as a result. In response, the 49ers have hosted a total of five free agent kickers in recent days. A replacement has been found from that group.

Matt Gay has agreed to a deal with San Francisco, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report. This news comes days after Gay’s tenure with the Commanders came to an end. The veteran continued to have struggles from long range on field goal attempts, but he will look to rebound during a brief stint in the Bay Area. The move is now official, with Gay joining the 49ers’ practice squad and receiver Russell Gage being released in a corresponding move.

Per the transactions wire (h/t Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle), Gay was joined by Cade York, John Parker Romo, Anders Carlson and Tanner Brown in taking part in a workout with the 49ers in recent days. The team has elected to go with experience after completing that process. Gay has made 100 career regular season appearances. During that time, he has delivered consistent performances from within 50 yards and on extra point attempts.

The 31-year-old has connected on just seven of his 18 field goal tries from beyond 50 yards dating back to last season, however. Struggles in that regard led to Washington cutting ties (and signing Moody as a replacement). While the 49ers’ former draftee will look to carve out a spot in the nation’s capital for the remainder of the campaign, Gay will aim to serve as a short-term replacement for San Francisco.

Pineiro has played in 10 games for the 49ers. Over that span, he has missed four extra point kicks but gone 22-for-22 on field goals. That includes connecting on each of his six FG attempts from 50-plus yards. Pineiro will thus likely reprise his kicking role once he is healthy. In the meantime, Gay will serve as his replacement.

7 comments San Francisco 49ers Transactions

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/18/25

By | at November 18, 2025 9:27 pm

Here are the latest practice squad moves around the NFL:

Atlanta Falcons

  • Signed: OL Andrew Steuber

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Indianapolis Colts

Las Vegas Raiders

New England Patriots

  • Signed: DL Fabien Lovett Sr.

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Signed: WR John Rhys Plumlee
  • Released: S Jack Henderson

Seattle Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Signed: S Marcus Banks

Tennessee Titans

Reeves-Maybin, the current NFLPA president, spent most of his career with the Lions but was released this offseason. He worked out with the 49ers in October and now returns to the NFC North with the Bears.

Odum began his NFL career in Indianapolis and is now returning to the Colts after a three-year stint with the 49ers. He will likely provide depth on special teams when elevated from the practice squad.

Kpassagnon, meanwhile, will be looking for his third team this season. He signed in Chicago this offseason to reunite with Dennis Allen, the Bears’ defensive coordinator and Kpassagnon’s former coach in New Orleans. He played 89 snaps across five games in Chicago before he was released. He then signed with the Colts’ practice squad, but did not make any appearances in blue and white.

The Seahawks signed Jones to their practice squad, but he was released the following day in a health-related move, per ESPN’s Brady Henderson. Rice, the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice, will get to play for one of his father’s former teams. Jerry Rice played for the Seahawks during his last season in 2004.

0 comments Atlanta Falcons Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Dallas Cowboys Indianapolis Colts Las Vegas Raiders New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Transactions

NFL Injury Updates: McManus, Ingram, Pearsall, Lions

By | at November 16, 2025 1:00 pm

The Packers are without regular kicker Brandon McManus today after he spent the week as “doubtful” on the injury report with a right quad injury, per Ryan Wood of USA Today. Backup kicker Lucas Havrisik is taking over kicking duties at MetLife today.

McManus’ quad injury has lingered since it forced him to miss the team’s Week 6 & 7 games earlier this year. Havrisik signed with Green Bay after a successful audition that also featured Greg Joseph. Havrisik was perfect in his two games in relief of McManus. He converted all four field goal attempts, including a career-long 61-yarder, and all six extra point attempts.

This will be McManus’ third missed game of the year. It’s not clear at the moment how much this week’s setback will affect him moving forward. Havirisik’s consistent presence on the 53-man roster means the Packers will be prepared for whatever his prognosis may be.

Here are a few other injury updates from around the NFL:

  • With starting right guard Ed Ingram once again out this week for the Texans‘ trip to Tennessee as he deals with a sprained knee, the Texans have shifted usual starting right tackle Tytus Howard inside to right guard and tapped veteran tackle Trent Brown to sub in at right tackle, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. Brown started there last week when Howard was out with a concussion.
  • Brock Purdy isn’t the only offensive player the 49ers are getting back after a long absence. Per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will also play today after missing every game since Week 4. Sitting out of practice for most of that time, as well, Pearsall was able to string together a couple limited practices before finally being a full participant on Friday.
  • Despite rising optimism for returns soon to come, the Lions ruled pass rusher Marcus Davenport, cornerback D.J. Reed, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and rookie offensive guard Miles Frazier out for their game tonight, meaning all four players will remain on injured reserve with a designation to return.
0 comments Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Houston Texans San Francisco 49ers
Show all
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors