On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers worked out three wide receivers, with quarterback Nate Sudfeld throwing them the ball. The Athletic’s Matt Barrows tweeted that the team is expected to sign Sudfeld ahead of the final preseason game.
Starting quarterback Brock Purdy is unlikely to play in the preseason finale. He had eight dropbacks last week. Kyle Shanahan may not want to see Mac Jones in extended action, either. Jones had 18 dropbacks last game. Even if Jones plays the first quarter, or even the first half,
that leaves three quarters or a full half for Carter Bradley.
Bradley was better statistically against the Las Vegas Raiders than he was against the Denver Broncos, but he still put the ball in harm’s way and took multiple sacks. Bringing back Sudfeld takes some of the workload off Bradley’s plate.
Sudfeld backed up Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance in 2021. Sudfeld was released on August 31, but re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He’d eventually serve as QB2 behind Garoppolo after Lance sprained his knee.
So, a familiar face who knows the offense and can give any wide receiver fighting for a roster spot a good look, or at least an opportunity to make a play within the structure of the offense. That’s what Sudfeld is bringing to the table this week.
