49ers Team News: The Biggest Surprises on the 49ers’ Initial 53-Man Roster

The 49ers made their final cut from 90 to 53 players on Tuesday, but this isn’t a “final” product. Surprisingly, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Fred Warner and Brock Purdy all made the final cut. Okay, sorry, but what were the biggest surprises on the initial 53-man roster?

Ronnie Bell

Even with Brandon Aiyuk remaining, it was widely assumed that Bell would not be one of the six receivers who would qualify for the playoffs. The 49ers retained seven receivers, including Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Juwan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, Ricky Pearsall and Chris Conley.

Bell will have to make his mark on special teams or when called upon as a receiver. The 49ers weren’t ready to part ways with the former Michigan Wolverine.

Alex Barrett

The 49ers’ defensive line wasn’t enough for Barrett, who had been short of players for a long time, and Barrett was an absolute machine during the preseason. Seven total pressures, a quarterback hit, a rush, a drop, and a 19.7 rushing win percentage weren’t enough for Barrett to make the 53-man roster, as the 49ers retained Sam Okuayinonu.

Barrett will likely return to the team in some capacity, but I feel his experience with the team, coupled with his performance in the preseason, makes him a guaranteed addition to the roster.

Eric Sobert

*Editor’s Note: Saubert has re-signed with the 49ers.*

The 49ers are down to two linebackers at the moment, but with John Feliciano and Ambry Thomas (who was on the roster due to injury) likely to go to injured reserve, the 49ers will look to bring Sauber back. The surprising part is that Sauber was not on the initial 53-man roster with Brayden Willis and Cameron Lato out.

You know the saying, “No blocking, no rock for the 49ers.” That’s why Willis and Lato finished the game on the outside, looking in. Sauber is the starting blocking quarterback, who will be back if all goes well, but it’s still surprising to see Jake Tongis on the roster at the expense of the three.

Elijah Mitchell

It’s no surprise that Mitchell has been plagued by injuries, but what’s surprising is that Mitchell seemed to be on his way back to action, only to find out his season was over before it even began.

Mitchell is a talented runner, but the physical demands of football seem too much for the 49ers’ rookie record holder for rushing yards.