The San Francisco 49ers may be undefeated through three games, but injuries are continuing to pile up for the team. In Week 3, the Niners were dealt a crushing blow, as superstar defensive end Nick Bosa‘s season came to a premature end after he suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury.
With Bosa out, San Fran’s defense is going to need to collectively step up in order to replace his missing production. On Wednesday, that led to the front office making an under-the-radar move in order to shore up its depth at this position, as they signed Robert Beal Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster.
49ers Sign Robert Beal Jr. to Active Roster
The Niners selected Beal in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he’s played in 18 games over the past two seasons with the team. After racking up the first sack of his career in Week 18 of the 2023 campaign, Beal suited up in 14 games last season due to all the injuries the team was dealing with, picking up 17 total tackles.
Despite his role increasing last season, Beal didn’t crack the 49ers‘ initial 53-man roster in 2025, as he got released during the team’s roster cuts at the end of August. He quickly returned as a member of the team’s practice squad, which is where he’s spent the first few weeks of the new season, as he’s yet to be elevated to the active roster for a game this year.
With Bosa done for the year, that’s about to change in a big way. Beal ended up getting signed off the practice squad to San Francisco’s active roster, and while he alone won’t be responsible for replacing Bosa, he figures to provide the team with another depth option they can turn to on their defensive line for the remainder of the season.
The San Francisco 49ers announced they have promoted DL Robert Beal Jr. to the active roster from the team’s practice squad and signed DL William Bradley-King and S Jaylen Mahoney to the practice squad. In order to make room on the practice squad, the team released DB Derrick Canteen,” the team shared on its official website.
49ers Looking to Continue Undefeated Season in Week 4
GettyNick Bosa walks to the locker room during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on September 21, 2025.
It’s only three games, but considering all the guys who have missed time with injury for the 49ers, it’s impressive that they are 3-0 heading into Week 3. The offense, in particular, has been battered, as Brandon Aiyuk hasn’t suited up at all this season, while Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings have all missed at least one game with various injuries.
San Fran’s initial resolve has been impressive, but with Bosa’s season already over, this is going to be a year-long battle for the Niners. As they have proven early on, though, the Niners can go toe-to-toe with anyone and still pick up a victory, even if they are severely shorthanded. The team will look to push its record to 4-0 in Week 4 when it squares off with the Jacksonville Jaguars at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.
49ers Add Former 5th Round Pick to Active Roster After Nick Bosa Injury