Brayden Willis: Everything you need to know

The 49ers elevated Willis from the practice squad to the active roster. Willis was active in seven regular-season games for San Francisco in 2025, playing 98 snaps on special teams and 13 on offense. The 26-year-old will likely be a depth option for the 49ers' playoff matchup against the Seahawks, behind Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges as they take over for George Kittle (Achilles)

Willis reverted to the 49ers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log. Willis was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday night's 42-38 win over the Bears. The tight end helped fill in for George Kittle (ankle), but he logged just one snap on offense, far behind Jake Tonges (50), Luke Farell (27) in offensive snaps. Willis was able to secure one tackle while playing 24 snaps with the special-teams unit. If Kittle remains sidelined Saturday against the Seahawks, Willis could be elevated again for the team's final regular-season contest.

The 49ers elevated Willis from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears. Willis has played in five games for the 49ers this season, totalling 12 offensive snaps and 74 special teams snaps in the contests. The tight end was on the active roster for three of those games and was elevated for the remaining two, making the Week 17 elevation his third and final of the 2025 season. If the team would like to use Willis for Week 18 or in the playoffs, they will have to sign him to the active roster.