49ers protect 3 from the practice squad, re-sign CB Dontae Johnson, cut LB Elijah Sullivan

The San Francisco 49ers announced three practice squad players being protected this week as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions. They are wide receiver Travis Benjamin, quarterback Nate Sudfeld, and cornerback Dee Virgin.

Benjamin could provide the 49ers with some punt return flexibility heading into Sunday's game. Sudfeld could be insurance in case rookie Trey Lance is unavailable. Lance suffered a chipped bone in the index finger of his throwing hand during San Francisco's preseason finale. Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is dealing with a hamstring injury, which might explain the decision to protect Virgin.

NFL teams can protect up to four practice squad players per week from being signed by other teams. In addition, teams can elevate up to two practice squad players to the active roster before 1 p.m. PT the day before a game. Doing so will not require removing others from the active roster, and the players will revert back to the practice squad following the game.

The 49ers also announced that linebacker Elijah Sullivan has been cut from the practice squad. The team re-signed cornerback Dontae Johnson to take his place. Johnson was released from the active roster on Monday as a corresponding move to the signing of veteran cornerback Josh Norman.