The San Francisco 49ers have officially placed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve physically-unable-to-perform list, confirming he will miss the first four weeks of the upcoming NFL season. This announcement came as the team finalized its 53-man roster by the deadline on September 5, 2025. Safety Malik Mustapha was also added to the same list, sidelining him for the start of the season due to an ACL injury he sustained earlier this year.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan had previously indicated that the team envisions Aiyuk might return by Week 6, following his recovery from MCL and ACL tears incurred in Week 7 of last season. Mustapha is believed to share a similar recovery timeline, having undergone surgery for his injury.
The 49ers faced challenges in their wide receiver lineup, particularly with Aiyuk out of action. As part of the final roster cuts, the team released several players, including two wide receivers who were anticipated to fill the gap left by Aiyuk. Deebo Samuel has moved to the Washington Commanders, while Jauan Jennings is dealing with a calf injury after requesting a contract renegotiation.
Among the players cut was Terique Owens, son of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, who was placed on waivers despite a strong performance in the preseason, including a touchdown in the final game. The 49ers may consider re-signing him to their practice squad if he goes unclaimed. Additionally, Isaiah Hodgins, a Bay Area native with a background with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, was released after making a favorable impression during training camp.
The team also let go of veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen, who led the 49ers in receptions throughout the preseason. His efforts were not enough to secure a spot on the final roster. To bolster their receiving corps, the 49ers recently traded for Skyy Moore, previously of the Kansas City Chiefs, offering a glimmer of hope for the team’s offensive strategy.
In a surprising move, fan favorite Jeff Wilson Jr. was released. Wilson, who rejoined the 49ers after a stint with the Miami Dolphins, scored touchdowns in consecutive preseason games and expressed gratitude for the support from fans. The team’s running back lineup has been strengthened by the acquisition of Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders, complementing Christian McCaffrey as the starter and Isaac Guerendo as the backup.
Another notable absence from the final roster is undrafted rookie defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez, affectionately dubbed “The Hulk” by teammates during training camp. His release marks a significant moment for a player who had garnered attention during the preseason.
The final roster moves for the San Francisco 49ers, as announced on Tuesday, included:
Released:
– WR Robbie Chosen
– OL Michael Dunn
– WR Russell Gage Jr.
– DL Jonathan Garvin
– DL Trevis Gipson
– DL Bruce Hector
– WR Isaiah Hodgins
– CB Fabian Moreau
– P Thomas Morstead
– LB Curtis Robinson
– LB Chazz Surratt
– WR Malik Turner
– RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
Placed on waivers:
– WR Junior Bergen
– LB Stone Blanton
– DL William Bradley-King
– DB Derrick Canteen
– CB Dallis Flowers
– LB Jalen Graham
– S Jaylen Mahoney
– OL Drake Nugent
– WR Terique Owens
– DL Sebastian Valdez
– TE Brayden Willis
– OL Nick Zakelj
Activated from Active/Physically Unable to Perform List:
– DL Yetur Gross-Matos
Placed on Injured Reserve List:
– DL Kevin Givens (designated for return)
– CB Jakob Robinson
Placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List:
– WR Brandon Aiyuk
– S Malik Mustapha
Placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List:
– QB Kurtis Rourke
Placed on the Reserve/Suspended List:
– OL Isaac Alarcon
– WR Demarcus Robinson
As the 49ers prepare for the season ahead, the team will need to navigate these roster changes while aiming for success on the field.
