The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have signed tight end Troy Fumagalli to a one-year deal. To make room on the roster, the team waived tight end Garrett Walston.
Fumagalli was among the tryout players at the 49ers' rookie minicamp. Something noteworthy: The tight end's left index finger was amputated due to a condition known as amniotic band syndrome.
"It happened at birth, so I don't know any better," Fumagalli told ESPN in 2016 (h/t Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). "If you were to ask me if I imagined a finger on my left hand, I feel like that's in the way of things. I wouldn't want it there."
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Fumagalli (6-6, 248) was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Throughout his four-year NFL career with the Broncos (2018-20) and New England Patriots (2021), he has appeared in 19 games (five starts) and registered 14 receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Fumagalli signed with the Patriots as a free agent on May 27, 2021 and was later placed on the Injured Reserve List on August 19, 2021 where he spent the entire season.
A 27-year-old native of Aurora, IL, Fumagalli attended the University of Wisconsin where he appeared in 52 games (32 starts) and registered 135 receptions for 1,627 yards and seven touchdowns.
Walston (6-4, 245) originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022.
Troy Fumagalli comp
— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) February 15, 2018
Not a highlight reel but grades out positive on almost all plays. Definition of fundamental and amazing feet and hips when run blocking. Good hands and will have a long career due to consistency. Ben Watson is my comp 3rd round proj #TroyFumagalli #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/FZccqnDLkE
