San Francisco claimed Jordan Jefferson off waivers, boosting interior defensive-line depth as they navigate a crowded rotation. Jefferson, LSU product and 2024 fourth-rounder, has upside but limited NFL production to date, with roughly 150 defensive snaps as a rookie in Jacksonville. In SF, he immediately slots into a six-man interior DL group alongside Jordan Elliott, Alfred Collins, Kalia Davis, Evan Anderson, and the incumbent depth, signaling flexible alignment from first to fifth in the rotation.

This roster churn comes alongside Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s addition and Jacob Cowing’s IR designation, underscoring the 49ers’ willingness to tinker at the deadline. Jefferson’s youth and pedigree give him a path to meaningful snaps if he latches onto a niche in pass rush or run defense. The question remains which three players SF will cut or move to IR to fully accommodate the new depth, and how soon Jefferson can translate potential into production.

Robinson's three-game ban tightens San Francisco's WR depth as roster cuts finalize a five-man unit behind Aiyuk and the rest. With Aiyuk on the PUP and Week 1 looming, Jennings and Moore become the likely starters, but injuries to Cowing and Watkins complicate things. Pearsall provides depth, while SF explores IR options to keep the group viable for three games before Robinson and Watkins return.

Demarcus Robinson is suspended for three games by the NFL for a substance-abuse policy violation, forcing the 49ers to navigate a rough start without him against Seattle, New Orleans and Arizona. The ban follows a misdemeanor DUI plea; Robinson did not overturn the ruling on appeal. San Francisco can hold his roster spot until after Week 3.

The 49ers’ receiver room was already stretched after Deebo Samuel’s offseason move and Brandon Aiyuk’s knee injury, so Robinson’s absence compounds the challenge. Robinson produced 31 catches for 505 yards and seven touchdowns with the Rams last year, but SF will rely on Jennings, Watkins and Cowing to step up as Jennings eyes a new deal and Watkins and Cowing deal with injuries.