The San Francisco 49ers are entering Week 2 with a 1-0 record, but they are already dealing with a handful of injuries. That has taken the air out of their Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints, but even with several key players out for this game, the 49ers are still favored to win.
With guys like Brock Purdy and George Kittle already out, and Jauan Jennings and Trent Williams both being questionable, San Francisco has been forced to tinker with its roster for this game. On Saturday, that led to them moving on from former fifth-round pick Robert Beal Jr. in order to create an open roster spot.
49ers Waive Defensive Lineman Robert Beal Jr.
Beal was selected by San Francisco in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft as a developmental prospect. After beginning his rookie season on injured reserve, Beal returned in late November and ended up suiting up in four games for the Niners. In their Week 18 finale against the Los Angeles Rams, Beal picked up the first sack of his career, giving him some positive momentum heading into 2024.
Even with the Niners dealing with a barrage of injuries last year, Beal struggled to create a bigger role for himself. He played in 14 games, but he was primarily used on special teams, racking up 17 tackles during his time on the field. Considering how he finished his rookie season and the lack of depth San Fran had due to injuries, it was a bit disappointing to see Beal struggle to earn more snaps on defense.
Beal still managed to earn a spot on the 49ers‘ 53-man roster to begin the season, but he didn’t suit up in the team’s 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. Sure enough, with the team needing a roster spot for linebacker Curtis Robinson, Beal was the odd man out, as he ended up getting waived on Saturday afternoon.
The 49ers have promoted Curtis Robinson to the active roster and waived Robert Beal Jr.,” the team announced in a post on X.
49ers Looking to Grind Out a Win in Week 2 Against the Saints
GettyHead coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.
If there was a week for the 49ers to be shorthanded, it’s this week, as they will be taking on a Saints squad that is widely regarded as the worst team in the league. New Orleans put up a fight in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, but they lack talent all over their roster and have a mediocre quarterback in Spencer Rattler starting for them.
With Mac Jones taking over for the injured Purdy, there’s no guarantee San Francisco will be much better than New Orleans, but they have enough talent across the rest of their team that they should be able to overcome any potential struggles from him. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on the Niners to see if they can squeak out a win. But even if they can, it looks like their injury issues are going to persist past this week.
49ers Waive Former 5th Round Pick Ahead of Saints Game