© Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
SANTA CLARA – Many of the 49ers’ initial roster moves would be judged based on who on the bubble was retained on the practice squad. The verdict of those decisions came Sunday when the team announced its practice squad signings (plus another member signed from outside of the organization, below).
One of the biggest questions on the roster was why the 49ers went with just three safeties, considering all that remained was the injury-prone pair of Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt and the inexperienced Tarvarius Moore. The decision to cut strong safety Marcell Harris was a bit confounding, but Harris made it to the practice squad and validated the team’s decision.
Notable other retentions were defensive lineman Kevin Givens, who had a very impressive preseason, linebacker Elijah Lee, who may have been cut due to a broken thumb, defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga, who led the team with 4.5 sacks in the preseason and Jeff Wilson Jr., who had three rushing touchdowns in the final two preseason games.
The full list is below, along with the 10th practice squad signing, offensive tackle Ryan Pope, who was waived by the Detroit Lions and reportedly signed by the 49ers according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports.
The final spot on the #49ers practice squad will be filled by OT Ryan Pope (San Diego State), whom the #Lions waived yesterday. Pope (6-7, 315) was highly coveted as an undrafted rookie.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 1, 2019