San Francisco 49ers News & Rumors

49ers WR Demarcus Robinson Files Appeal Over Expected DUI Suspension

Demarcus Robinson concluded the legal situation related to a November 2024 DUI arrest last month. The veteran receiver entered a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge as part of an agreement which saw other charges dismissed.

As a result, the expectation of a suspension has been in place since the case was closed. Standard practice around the NFL for a first-time offense regarding DUI instances is a three-game suspension. Vikings wideout Jordan Addison represents the most recent example in that regard. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan anticipates a Robinson ban, but an appeals process will play out first.

“(I’m) pretty anxious,” Robinson said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) when speaking to the media about his situation. “Just waiting on the outcome to see what happens with that … I really don’t know the timeframe. Waiting to hear from them, honestly.”

The fact Robinson agreed to a misdemeanor charge could help his chances of avoiding a suspension (or at least receiving a ban of less than three games). An outcome of any kind on this front will be key for team and player considering the injury issues the 49ers are currently dealing with at the receiver spot. Brandon Aiyuk remains on track to start the year on the reserve/PUP list, with a return in the vicinity of Week 6 being named yesterday by Shanahan as a target. Meanwhile, fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins is dealing with a high ankle sprain which could leave him sidelined for the regular season opener.

Robinson, 30, enjoyed a career year with the Rams in 2024 with 505 yards and seven touchdowns on 31 receptions. A depth role should await him in San Francisco behind Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings (who continues to seek an extension) and 2024 first-rounder Ricky PearsallRobinson is on the books for the next two years, but it remains to be seen when he will first be available for his new team.

Kyle Shanahan Targeting Week 6 Return For Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk‘s eventual return to the field is starting to come into focus. While the receiver was previously operating without a return timeline as he recovers from a torn ACL and MCL, coach Kyle Shanahan revealed today that Week 6 would be a rough estimate for the receiver’s activation.

“I kind of view all those guys around the same time,” Shanahan said while also referencing injured safety Malik Mustapha and quarterback Kurtis Rourke (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). “Whether it’s Mustafa, whether it’s Rourke or whether it’s Brandon. They’re all at different stages, but where they’re at, I always see ’em around Week 6, which means that could be Week 10, it means it could be Week 5, but that’s the area where I start thinking about it, which is a long way away. I know it’s not Week 1 or anything like that, so it’s something I’m not really thinking about too much.”

A Week 6 return would be just short of a year absence for Aiyuk, who suffered his season-ending knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 campaign. While we’ve seen a number of players return from this injury in less than a calendar year, Wagoner notes that Aiyuk didn’t suffer a “clean” tear. Still, the receiver is expected to make a full recovery.

Aiyuk is currently on the physically unable to perform list and is destined to remain there through the start of the regular season. As Wagoner notes, Aiyuk has been around the squad throughout training camp, with the veteran working with the team’s young wideouts.

Aiyuk’s absence will certainly be felt. Beyond the subtraction of mainstay Deebo Samuel, the 49ers continue to deal with injuries to their WR corps. Jauan Jennings is without a return date as he continues to nurse a calf injury, and Wagoner reported earlier today that fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins is now sidelined with a high ankle sprain. That injury is expected to sideline the first-year receiver for a month, putting his status for Week 1 in doubt.

As a result, Brock Purdy is eyeing some questionable targets for the start of the regular season. 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is expected to initially lead the grouping, and the team could also lean on offseason acquisition Demarcus Robinson and 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing. Otherwise, the rest of the team’s depth consists of the likes of rookie seventh-round pick Junior Bergen, veteran Russell Gage, and former UDFA Terique Owens.

NFL Minor Transactions: 8/11/25

Today’s minor moves:

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

  • Signed: TE McCallan Castles
  • Waived/injured: TE Anthony Torres

Minnesota Vikings

  • Claimed off waivers (from Falcons): G Michael Gonzalez
  • Placed on IR: OT Matt Nelson

New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Signed: TE Kevin Foelsch, DB Mikey Victor
  • Waived: TE D.J. Thomas-Jones
  • Waived/injured: DB Cameron McCutcheon

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

  • Signed: LB Alphonzo Tuputala
  • Waived: CB Kam Alexander

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

A handful of players injured in the first week of the preseason were placed on IR today, effectively ending their seasons early. These players won’t be allowed to play for their current squads in 2025, although they could place elsewhere if they’re released from injured reserve (often via an injury settlement).

Among those who landed on IR includes Texans DT Marlon Davidson, who remained in his team’s preseason opener after suffering a biceps injury. Vikings lineman Matt Nelson also suffered a biceps injury that will land him on IR. The veteran just joined Minnesota last week.

In addition to bringing back old friend Jeff Wilson, the 49ers made a handful of additional moves today. This includes shifting veteran RB Ameer Abdullah to injured reserve. Abdullah suffered a rib injury that will prevent him from taking the field with San Francisco this season. The veteran is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2024, when he compiled 572 yards from scrimmage in 16 games (three starts) with the Raiders. The 49ers also added defensive lineman Trevis Gipson, who started 19 games for the Bears between 2021 and 2022.

49ers To Bring Back RB Jeff Wilson

Jeff Wilson‘s recent workout for the 49ers did not result in a deal. With his original team dealing with a number of injuries in the backfield, though, a signing will now take place.

Wilson is headed back to San Francisco, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The former UDFA was with the 49ers from 2018 to the midway point of the 2022 campaign. A trade from the 49ers to the Dolphins allowed him to work with Mike McDaniel, a familiar face given his previous work under Kyle Shanahan.

During his time in Miami (which wound up lasting 27 games), Wilson managed an average of 4.5 yards per attempt; that equals his career mark. The 29-year-old only received 141 carries during that span, though, so it came as no surprise when the Dolphins elected not to re-sign him in the spring. Wilson remained on the open market well into training camp, and he and Ameer Abdullah visited the 49ers late in July. Abdullah landed a deal following his workout.

At the moment, however, Abdullah has a ribs injury. As Matt Barrow of The Athletic notesIsaac Guerendo and Jordan James are also on the mend. As a result, Wilson should be able to handle a role in the backfield rotation during upcoming practices as well as San Francisco’s two remaining preseason contests. Sorting out the depth chart behind Christian McCaffrey will be a team priority over the coming weeks.

Wilson’s most productive full 49ers season came in 2020 when he amassed 733 scrimmage yards and scored 10 total touchdowns. A repeat of those figures would come as a surprise, of course, but the North Texas product could carve out a spot on the 53-man roster depending on other running back situations on the health front. San Francisco entered Sunday with nearly $47MM in cap space, so this reunion will not impact any other moves the team makes leading up to Week 1.

Ben Bartch Favorite For 49ers’ Starting LG Job

It appears the 49ers’ left guard position is settled. Per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, the job likely belongs to Ben Bartch, who re-signed with San Francisco in February.

Bartch, 27, entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Jaguars in 2020. He got into 41 games across three-plus seasons in Jacksonville and landed with the 49ers midway through the 2023 campaign. He has been with the organization ever since.

He started just two games for the Niners last year and saw a grand total of 65 offensive snaps in relief of an injured Aaron Banks, but he played well in his limited action before succumbing to an injury of his own. Banks was one of the many players who departed San Francisco this offseason as a result of the club’s cap constraints, which left a full-time LG spot up for grabs.

The battle for that gig came down to Bartch and 2022 sixth-rounder Nick Zakelj, who has just two career starts to his name (compared to Bartch’s 22). While Bartch opened training camp on the active/PUP list, he was activated at the end of July, and Zakelj did not seize his opportunity.

“It’s Bartch’s job to lose, really,” offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Foerster said of the LG post. “Nick had a chance when Ben was hurt early, but Ben came back quick enough that if Nick would have really asserted himself, [he could have] taken the role, but he didn’t. He was good, but we still feel Ben gives us the best shot.”

One of the Niners’ few bright spots in 2024 was the performance of rookie right guard Dominick Puni, who played all but one offensive snap and who finished the year as Pro Football Focus’ sixth-highest-rated guard among 77 qualified players. As the team seeks a return to the postseason and a return to form from newly-extended quarterback Brock Purdy, they will be hoping that Bartch — who is earning scarcely more than the league minimum — can serve as an effective complement to his younger counterpart.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/9/25

Saturday’s minor moves around the NFL:

Baltimore Ravens

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

San Francisco 49ers

Gaskin worked out for Baltimore on Saturday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. The 28-year-old is far removed from his most productive days, which came with the Dolphins. Since the start of the 2022 season, Gaskin has handled just 13 carries. He will offer the Ravens depth in the backfield through their two remaining preseason games.

One week ago, the Jags signed Wallace in a move which allowed him to compete for a depth spot in their secondary. The 30-year-old has 96 appearances and 72 starts to his name, but an injury has quickly ended his chances of making Jacksonville’s roster. White was waived when Wallace arrived, so he will simply continue in his bid to earn a special teams role ahead of roster cutdowns later this month.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/8/25

Friday’s minor moves around the NFL:

Buffalo Bills

Dallas Cowboys

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Released from IR via injury settlement: CB Darius Rush

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Bills kicker Tyler Bass is currently dealing with pelvic area soreness, ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg notes. As a result, the team recently worked out a number of free agents to handle kicking duties during tomorrow’s preseason game. Davis – an undrafted rookie – was recently waived by the Jets, but he will get at least one opportunity to audition for a roster spot.

Ahmed was recently taken down in a Colts practice by a hip-drop tackle. As a result, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Stephen Holder report the veteran suffered an ankle injury. Ahmed’s attention will turn to rehabbing the ailment; unless he is released by way of an injury settlement, he will not play in 2025.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/7/25

Here are Thursday’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

  • Signed: TE Steven Stilianos

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Signed: TE Thomas Yassmin
  • Waived/injured: TE Jordan Petaia

New York Giants

  • Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Ty Summers

San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee Titans

Hernandez received full clearance after an October 2024 ACL tear, but his Cardinals return will not come with immediate full-time practice duty. The former Giants second-round pick should be considered a strong candidate to start again for the Cards, but for now, the team is easing him back into action.

Summer expects to be running again soon after suffering a groin injury, according to ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan, who indicates a return to the Giants is not off the radar. Summers played 16 games for the Giants last season, starting two.

A former Giants first-rounder who has bounced around the league in recent years, Apple will see his 49ers stint last barely a week. The 49ers were Apple’s seventh NFL team. He spent last season with the Chargers, playing four games.

John Lynch: No Return Timetable For 49ers WRs Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings

The receiver position remains uncertain in the case of the 49ers with Week 1 drawing closer. Both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are sidelined through injury, and in each case there is no firm timeline for a return.

Aiyuk continues to rehab the ACL and MCL tears which ended his 2024 campaign. Throughout the offseason, a main question for San Francisco has been his ability to return to full health in time for the start of the season. Aiyuk has been ahead of schedule, but as of last month a stint on the active/PUP list seemed likely in his case. Such a scenario would ensure at least a four-game absence to begin the campaign.

During a Thursday appearance on KNBR radio, 49ers general manager John Lynch said (via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News) he doubts Aiyuk will be able to play in the team’s regular season opener. He confirmed there is still no timetable in place, though, meaning it remains to be seen is an PUP stint will be deemed necessary. Aiyuk has four years remaining on the $30MM-per-year extension he signed last offseason.

Meanwhile, the 49ers continue to wait for Jennings’ return to action. A calf injury has him sidelined against the backdrop of a request for an upgraded contract. Jennings has not officially asked to be traded, per head coach Kyle Shanahan, but a report from last month stated he will seek a change of scenery in the absence of a raise being worked out through an extension. With nothing imminent on that front, Jennings continues to recover.

“Jauan’s working with our health and performance staff, trying to get back out on the field,” Lynch said of the 28-year-old (via David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone). “Jauan got his calf in the offseason, strained it, and calves can kind of linger, unfortunately. And came out, practiced some, and wasn’t feeling great, and so we’ve kind of put him off to the side… Don’t have any timetable, but we’ll see.”

Jennings enjoyed a career year in 2024 as the 49ers dealt with injuries elsewhere on the receiver depth chart. The decision to trade away Deebo Samuel helped set Jennings up for another season in a large offensive role. One year remains on the former seventh-rounder’s contract and he is owed $4MM for 2025. A strong season would help Jennings’ market for next spring, provided no extension is worked out before that point.

2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is in line to serve as a key figure in San Francisco’s passing attack provided he can remain healthy this season. The team also has veteran Demarcus Robinson and recent signing Robbie Chosen in the mix. Aiyuk and Jennings will each be important elements in the 49ers’ efforts to rebound from last year’s performance, but it is still unclear when either of them will be healthy.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/5/25

Here are Tuesday’s minor moves:

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

  • Claimed off waivers (from 49ers): TE Mason Pline
  • Waived: TE Seth Green

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dial, the Patriots second-year cornerback and special teamer, will miss his second year in the NFL after suffering a torn ACL. In cheerier news, Opeta returns to a practice field for the first time in over a year. The former Eagles backup lineman was hoping to compete for a starting left guard spot last year before tearing his ACL in the first week of camp.

Campbell makes his way off the Cowboys roster after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Injuries continue to be an issue for the Ohio State alum, who has missed 51 of a possible 100 regular season games over his first six years in the league and is set to miss even more this year.