Gardner was among the 33 free agent rookies invited to participate in the 49ers' minicamp in May. He averaged 1,608 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final three seasons at HSU.
The 49ers are expected to place wide receiver Max McCaffrey on injured reserve. He had foot surgery on Monday.
Players who are likely to make the final roster are unlikely to see much playing time on Thursday. The 49ers were already without running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida, who will hopefully be ready for Week 1. Joe Williams is questionable after sustaining a rib injury against the Houston Texans. Veteran Alfred Morris may have impressed the coaches enough against the Indianapolis Colts to warrant a roster spot and Raheem Mostert could be safe as well.
NFL teams must cut their rosters down from 90 players to 53 by Saturday at 1:00 p.m. PT.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers signing WR Javon Baker to the practice squad
The San Francisco 49ers are adding depth at wide receiver, signing Javon Baker to the practice squad, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Baker was one of several players who worked out for the team last week. Wide receiver Javon Baker is signing with the 49ers practice squad, per... -
George Kittle: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has 'years left in the tank'
Many around the league are surprised by the elite production San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is delivering this season, especially after battling injuries and missing most of the 2024 campaign. Yet McCaffrey has bounced back in MVP-caliber fashion, racking... -
49ers' Shanahan still hopes Aiyuk returns this season—but isn't counting on it
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch didn't sound particularly optimistic Tuesday morning when discussing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's chances of returning this season. Appearing on Bay Area radio station KNBR, Lynch emphasized that while he remains hopeful, he can't... -
49ers' Brock Purdy may have a request for Mac Jones, explains sideline arm brace
Last year, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy surprised his offensive linemen with Toyota vehicles—an extravagant gesture considering he had not yet signed his lucrative contract extension. Of course, Purdy was an endorsement partner for Toyota at the time, meaning...