Fortunately, the 49ers have not had a large number of players placed on injured lists throughout the first few games of the 2023 campaign. Now that the few players who are either on IR or PUP are prepared to return, San Francisco will have to make some difficult choices.
Within the first week of the season, rookie defensive end Robert Beal, wide receiver Danny Grey, and cornerback Samuel Womack III were placed on injured reserve. Rookie cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. also started the season on the PUP list. According to general manager John Lynch, each member of that quartet is eligible to return from their individual injured list and is prepared to do so.
Lynch had a conference call with media on Wednesday with reporters made it clear the team isn’t in a rush to activate anyone because of the roster logistics that come with it.
“Yeah, these guys, I think we’re on the verge of we’ve got to make that decision. Kyle and I will have some conversations and obviously, with the council of our health and performance staff, but these guys are ready to have their windows open. But, you also have to have roster spots available. But, I do believe a couple, if not a few, are on the verge of having their windows open. At some point we’ve got to see what they can provide us.”
It would be a mild surprise if either Luter or Beal contributed as rookies, although the team could use some depth at both CB and DE. That neither 2023 draft pick has so much as practiced with the team through eight weeks though would indicate they’re heading toward a redshirt year.
We may see the 49ers open practice windows for both which would give them three weeks of practice before either being activated or placed on season-ending IR. If they look like they can play in those practices then maybe they find a role on the roster. If they don’t, the team can put them on IR and move forward with the 2023 season.
Gray may not have a roster spot available given the team’s logjam at receiver and the roles each WR has carved out. They may not see a ton of value in adding him to the roster and losing depth at another position.
Womack may certainly come back after working through a knee injury. He’s a versatile, capable CB who can contribute on special teams and the club knows what it’s going to get from him. Given their need at cornerback it’d make a lot of sense if they activated Womack at some point shortly after the bye week.
