The San Francisco 49ers have made several moves to adjust their roster as they navigate the preseason. Amid speculation about the potential trade of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the team has focused on other roster decisions.
On Wednesday, the 49ers officially added two new players to their 90-man roster: running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn and wide receiver Jonte Kirklin. Vaughn’s signing comes just a day after the team also brought in running back Matt Breida. These additions are part of the team’s response to the recent injury concerns surrounding Christian McCaffrey, who has been sidelined for the preseason with a calf strain.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who spent the previous season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had a modest performance last year, recording 24 carries for 42 yards over six games. His addition aims to provide depth in the running back position as the 49ers adjust their backfield. Jonte Kirklin, on the other hand, brings experience from his time with the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints. Kirklin entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of LSU, and the 49ers are hoping he can contribute to their receiving corps.
To accommodate these new signings, the 49ers made some roster cuts. Safety Erik Harris was released, and wide receiver Terique Owens was waived. Owens, the son of former 49er star Terrell Owens, was cut with an injury designation. If he is not claimed by another team, he will revert to injured reserve.
These roster moves reflect the 49ers’ ongoing efforts to finalize their lineup and address any immediate needs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
