The San Francisco 49ers released veteran offensive lineman Brett Toth from injured reserve as part of an injury settlement, per Matt Maiocco. That should tell us the team was not expecting Toth to return this season, while acknowledging they may play another player on the injured reserve.
As for the inactive list, Mike Evans and Kyle Juszczyk will play against the Washington Commanders:
Kurtis Rourke (3rd QB)
Nick Bosa
Deebo Samuel
Marques Sigle
Garret Wallow
Enrique Cruz
Naquan Jones
That means linebacker
Tatum Bethune is active for the first time this season, with Wallow and Dre Greenlaw out.
Defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. is active over Naquan Jones. That’s likely the 49ers expecting Washington to be in a passing script, opting for the better pass rusher over the true nose tackle.
As expected, Mike Evans and Kyle Juszczyk are active. We’ll see how involved Evans is. He’s been Brock Purdy’s lifeline on third downs and in the red zone. Tonight could be a situation where Evans is used in those specific situations.
As for Juszczyk, he should play a critical role in the 49ers offense as always. He allows the 49ers to stay in heavier personnel and gives them advantageous matchups by moving Evans around the formation.
