The 49ers have released their inactive list ahead of tonight’s game, and there are some notable shakeups that signal a few key shifts in how San Francisco plans to deploy its depth - especially on special teams and along the defensive front.
Here’s the full list of inactives:
- RB Isaac Guerendo
- WR Ricky Pearsall
- DL Robert Beal
- DT Kevin Givens
- LB Curtis Robinson
- CB Renardo Green
- CB Chase Lucas
Let’s break down what this means.
Guerendo Out, Jordan James In
For the first time all season, Isaac Guerendo won’t suit up. That’s significant because he’s been a core special teams contributor, especially as a gunner on both punt and kickoff coverage units.
Last week, Guerendo didn’t log a single snap on special teams - a sign something was shifting behind the scenes. Now, rookie Jordan James is active, and all signs point to him stepping into that special teams role.
James has clearly done enough to earn the staff’s trust. While it’s unlikely he’ll see much (if any) work on offense tonight, getting his feet wet on special teams is a logical first step.
It’s a subtle but telling move - the kind of roster decision that hints at long-term planning. Guerendo’s been solid, but the team may see more upside in James.
Cornerback Shuffle: Lucas Down, Apple Up
Chase Lucas has been another special teams regular, with 187 snaps on the year and 15 just last week. His absence tonight likely means veteran Eli Apple will step into that role.
Apple’s been active in recent weeks but hasn’t always been a special teams fixture. That changes tonight.
Meanwhile, Darrell Luter Jr. appears to be locked in on defensive duties, so the 49ers are trusting Apple to help cover the gaps on coverage units. It’s a bit of a puzzle piece shift - not flashy, but critical in the margin plays that often decide close games.
Linebacker Rotation: Robinson Out, Bethune and Kendricks In
Curtis Robinson had been starting for the past month. Now, he’s inactive.
That’s a big swing. The return of Tatum Bethune from injury and the elevation of Eric Kendricks from the practice squad have reshaped the linebacker depth chart.
With Nick Martin on IR, you’d think Robinson might still have a role on special teams, but the coaching staff is going in a different direction.
Bethune, before his injury, was heavily involved on special teams and could easily slide back into that role. The 49ers also have Garret Wallow and Luke Gifford available - both capable of contributing on teams. This is a group that’s being shuffled not just for tonight, but possibly with an eye toward the stretch run.
No Pearsall, More Watkins
With Ricky Pearsall inactive, Jordan Watkins is in line to see the field. Watkins hasn’t played special teams this season, so if he’s active, the expectation is that he’ll be used on offense.
The 49ers don’t typically activate players just to have them stand on the sideline. Watkins could see some snaps in the passing game, perhaps in a rotational role or as a gadget option.
It’s another sign the coaching staff is open to giving younger players a look as the season winds down.
Defensive Line Depth: Reinforcements Arrive
On the defensive front, Robert Beal and Kevin Givens are out, but the 49ers aren’t leaving themselves thin. Yetur Gross-Matos and Sam Okuayinonu are stepping in, and Jordan Elliott is also back in the mix. That trio gives the defensive line a fresh injection of energy and depth - something that’s critical as the team looks to maintain pressure and stop the run late in the year.
Gross-Matos and Okuayinonu bring versatility, while Elliott’s return adds a steady presence in the interior rotation. This group doesn’t just plug holes - it gives the Niners more options in how they attack opposing offenses.
Bottom Line: The 49ers are tweaking their roster in ways that reflect both immediate needs and longer-term evaluations. Special teams will look different tonight, young players are getting opportunities, and the defensive line is getting a boost. These aren’t headline-grabbing moves, but they matter - especially for a team with postseason aspirations.