The San Francisco 49ers announced they have promoted tight end Brayden Willis to the active roster. He is expected to replace Jake Tonges. Needing an Alfred Collins replacement, the team signed defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson to the practice squad.
Jackson, listed at 6’2”, 330 pounds, was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s appeared in 22 games, including nine a season ago.
This is unlikely to be the last move the 49ers make before returning to practice Wednesday,
as the team will likely place De’Zhaun Stribling on Injured Reserve and decide what to do with Tonges’s roster spot.
As for Jackson, he came on late in the preseason for the Bengals, but was unlikely to crack their 2-deep. Jackson flashed toward the end of his rookie season for the Bengals, recording a tackle for loss in three of the final four games, as well as a sack. He didn’t generate much pressure, but that’s to be expected of a player of that stature.
The 49ers are looking for a defensive tackle who can hold their ground against the run. Jackson has the size to do it.
