Fansided

3 San Francisco 49ers players who won’t be on the roster by Week 1

By Brad Berreman

Dec 26, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Rosen (2) warms up prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Rosen (2) warms up prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

2. WR Mohamed Sanu

Sanu was cut by the New England Patriots just before last season started, and the 49ers signed him. After three games for them (with one catch for nine yards), the veteran wideout was cut by San Francisco and he finished the season with the Detroit Lions. In total, he caught 17 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in 10 games played.

The 49ers brought Sanu back on a one-year deal this offseason, for some reason. He may have value as a veteran depth option amid a young group of wide receivers that’s filled with potential but has struggled to stay healthy (Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jalen Hurd, Richie James). On the field though, Sanu hasn’t been particularly useful since 2018. And he doesn’t play a lot on special teams, so he won’t get an edge there in any battle for a roster spot.

Sanu may have a place to play in the league this season, with a solid on-field role. It just won’t be in San Francisco, unless Kyle Shanahan wants to lean into the history the two had together in Atlanta as a differentiator and/or the 49ers’ wide receiver group is barraged with injuries.