In addition to increasing NFL practice squads to 16 players this season, teams can protect four of those players each week from being signed to other rosters. NFL teams can also elevate practice squad players to the active roster up to 90 minutes before kickoff.
The following four players are the practice squad members who the San Francisco 49ers plan to protect heading into their Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, according to ESPN.
These players will return to their unprotected status after Sunday's game, and the 49ers will have until next Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT to declare four new (or repeat) players to protect.
Details emerge: 49ers DE Keion White shot after argument with rapper Lil Baby
By David Bonilla
Feb 10
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Keion White underwent surgery Monday after being shot in the ankle during an early-morning incident at a San Francisco nightclub. The injury was described as non-life-threatening, though his recovery timeline remains unclear.
Jonah Owen Lamb...
49ers DE Keion White undergoes surgery after early-morning shooting
By David Bonilla
Feb 9
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Keion White was the victim of a non-life-threatening shooting early Monday morning, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.
The incident reportedly occurred around 4 a.m. PT in San Francisco. The 49ers confirmed that White was struck...
49ers' Christian McCaffrey among FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Year
By David Bonilla
Feb 5
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been named one of the FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Year following a standout 2025 season, joining New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
This year, FedEx...
49ers named among NFL teams that could trade for Maxx Crosby
By Marc Adams
Feb 7
The San Francisco 49ers' defense desperately needs to improve its pass rush in 2026. Robert Saleh's defense in 2025 was the worst at getting to the quarterback. That's not necessarily a reflection on Saleh. It's more of an indication of the players the 49ers fielded—or didn't...
