Back to the Preseason Updates Landing Page.
One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
With injuries piling up, the Niners face a complicated shuffle of players across IR, PUP, and the practice squad as the roster deadline approaches. Quarterback remains one of the steadier spots, with Mac Jones backing up Brock Purdy—at least until Jones sprained his knee in the second preseason game. The team expects him to be ready for Week 1, though he sat out the finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. Nate Sudfeld briefly signed, but was cut after two practices, leaving Tanner Mordecai and Carter Bradley to battle for the QB3 role. The staff likes Bradley's arm strength, but Mordecai has proven more dependable. On Saturday, Mordecai relieved Bradley after he exited limping, only to suffer an ankle issue himself. For now, both may just be keeping the seat warm until Kurtis Rourke returns from his torn ACL.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Isaac Guerendo was a sight for sore eyes as he returned to practice this week, taking on a big role in the passing game there. Patrick Taylor Jr., meanwhile, will miss the entire season after undergoing surgery for a fractured shoulder. Guerendo suited up for the Chargers game as part of the starting offense, logging eight carries. He appeared to re-aggravate his shoulder in the first quarter but returned later and, at times, was seen wearing a supportive brace. Christian McCaffrey continues to ramp up his practice sessions and sat out the final preseason game. He looks every bit like his old self. LT Trent Williams told reporters, "Christian looks fantastic. He looks like offensive player of the year, Christian." The big news came on Friday when the team traded for Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. With Taylor and Corey Kiner out, Guerendo battling through his shoulder issue, and rookie Jordan James sidelined, Robinson fills a critical need. Head coach Kyle Shanahan clarified Robinson's role: "We brought him here to be our No. 2 back. I've always been a big fan of Brian… we were pumped that he was available and pumped that we were able to get him." Robinson didn't play Saturday. The backfield now projects as McCaffrey and Robinson leading the way, Guerendo slotting in as RB3, and FB Kyle Juszczyk providing depth. Rookie Jordan James, who was coming on strong before breaking his finger, is also nearing a return if he makes the roster.