The San Francisco 49ers’ inactive list is out:
RB Isaac Guerendo
WR Ricky Pearsall
DL Robert Beal
DT Kevin Givens
LB Curtis Robinson
CB Renardo Green
CB Chase Lucas
This will be the first game Guerendo hasn’t played in all season. He’s been the primary gunner on special teams all season.
Last week was the first time Guerendo didn’t play a snap on the kick or punt coverage teams. With Guerendo active, that paves the way for rookie running back Jordan James to get his first career action. Will that be
on special teams? It makes the most sense. James has done enough to impress the coaching staff that he’s worthy of a roster spot over Guerendo.
Chase Lucas has also been a mainstay on special teams for the 49ers this season, playing 15 snaps last week and 187 on the season. Lucas’s inactivity suggests the team will roll with Eli Apple in that role, while Darrell Luter Jr. focuses on defense.
Curtis Robinson goes from starting during the past month to being inactive. Tatum Bethune is back from injury, and Eric Kendricks is up from the practice squad. One would think Robinson would play special teams, especially with Nick Martin on the Injured Reserve. Before he took over as a starter, Bethune lived on special teams. He might return to that role tonight. There’s also Garret Wallo and Luke Gifford.
No Pearsall opens the door for Jordan Watkins to contribute. You’d assume he’s going to play offense, as the 49ers wouldn’t waste a roster spot for a player to stand on the sidelines. Watkins hasn’t played special teams this year.
Finally, Yetur Gross-Matos and Sam Okuayinonu will take the place of Beal and Givens, and Jordan Elliott will also return to the lineup, giving the defensive line some much-needed depth.
