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.

SF closed the preseason with a 30-23 win over the Chargers, but the real takeaway is the 53-man roster clock ticking down. Defensive depth dominated the night, with Jordan Elliott, Renardo Green, Marquese Sigle and Ji'Ayir Brown logging heavy snaps as SF shapes its safety rotation behind Jason Pinnock. Connor Colby flashed versatility on the line, hinting at Week 1 guard possibilities as Ben Bartch’s health remains a variable. Jeff Wilson Jr. surged for 41 yards and a TD, complicating Guerendo and James’ roster cases. Skyy Moore’s debut was uneven, underscoring a gradual ramp for his offensive impact. DTs Bruce Hector, Sebastian Valdez and Evan Anderson showed punch from depth, offering optimism for the regular season.

San Francisco faces roster cuts amid a rash of preseason injuries, with analysts circling veteran interior defender Jordan Elliott as a potential trade candidate before Week 1. David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard suggested Elliott could be moved to clear space for the 49ers’ interior depth and to monetize a veteran asset when rookies Alfred Collins and CJ West profile for expanded roles. Elliott logged 41.3% of SF’s defensive snaps last season, but San Francisco let Javon Hargrave walk and replaced him with a mix of Givens and rookies, heightening the roster-move calculus.

Valdez, nicknamed “The Hulk,” has impressed in camp and in early preseason action, prompting the piece to note Elliott could be squeezed out if Valdez cements his roster spot. The idea is to trade Elliott for a draft pick or a WR swing depth piece to address other depth concerns. The 53-man decision window arrives quickly as the 49ers balance talent, injuries, and the looming regular-season grind.

The San Francisco 49ers faced significant penalties during their Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, resulting in a 29-17 loss. The team was flagged 11 times for a total of 90 yards, reflecting a lack of discipline on the field. Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of reducing penalties, stating, 'No matter what's going on, when you have penalties like that, you don't deserve to win.'

In addition to the game penalties, the NFL imposed fines on three players from the 49ers for infractions that occurred during the game but did not result in on-field penalties. Linebacker Fred Warner was fined $16,883 for a hip-drop tackle on Dolphins running back De’Von Achane, marking his second fine of the season. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott received an $11,774 fine for a similar tackle on Raheem Mostert.

Running back Patrick Taylor was also fined for unnecessary roughness related to a low block that did not draw a penalty flag, which coincidentally resulted in a touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy to tight end Eric Saubert. While other defensive players faced penalties in the second half, they escaped fines. Additionally, Dolphins safety Jevon Holland was fined for a low hit on 49ers center Jake Brendel, illustrating that both teams were under scrutiny for their conduct during the game.

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a dire situation following consecutive blowout losses and a significant injury to star running back Christian McCaffrey, who will miss the remainder of the regular season. With a record of 5-7, the team finds itself at the bottom of the NFC West, trailing the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite the bleak outlook, tight end George Kittle remains hopeful for a playoff run, emphasizing the need to capitalize on remaining opportunities. However, the team's performance has been hindered by injuries and a struggling defense, raising concerns about their ability to replicate past successes.