General manager John Lynch recently tempered expectations for a high-profile acquisition, noting that nothing significant was imminent and acknowledging the team might have set the bar high with past deadline moves.
"I think there's this interesting expectation, because we've done them so much, that every year you do it, and that's not the case," Lynch said. "You do it when it makes sense. It seems like it's made sense a lot, and it has helped our team, I will say that."
For the 49ers, other moves apparently didn't align with their current vision. The 49ers have significant salary cap space, so throwing money at a short-term solution wouldn't have been a big problem. However, much of the cash is earmarked for the future as the team prepares for less roster flexibility with quarterback Brock Purdy's impending contract extension on the horizon.
Instead, the 49ers will rely on the players poised to return from injuries. The biggest example of that would be the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, running back Christian McCaffrey. He had his practice window opened this week. McCaffrey, who has yet to play this season due to Achilles tendinitis, could be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"I haven't heard a single setback," ESPN insider Adam Schefter said this week of McCaffrey. "I haven't heard that there's been any issues. I haven't heard that there's any complications. So as long as there is no red flags, and that continues on, then I would think that he's going to play on Sunday against the Buccaneers, as long as there's no setbacks."
Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano's practice window has also been opened, and wide receiver Jauan Jennings is gearing up for a return after missing two games with a hip injury—a timely boost given the season-ending injury to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
On the defensive side, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos appears close to returning, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles during the Super Bowl in February, was spotted by teammates working out during Monday's light bonus practice. Safety Talanoa Hufanga might also be available soon, and if the 49ers make a deep playoff run, even defensive tackle Javon Hargrave could make a comeback.
"I do look at that injury list and say, 'Hey, we've got a chance. … We've got a chance to get a lot of these guys back, and that can buoy our team,'" Lynch said last week. "And that's as good as any trade we could make because these guys are familiar with what we do [and] how we do it."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' John Lynch and Brock Purdy send strong messages on championship hopes
The San Francisco 49ers enter their Week 14 bye with nine wins—the same number of wins as the Chicago Bears, who sit atop the NFC standings, and the Los Angeles Rams, who currently lead the NFC West. With the conference wide open and the playoff picture shifting weekly, the... -
49ers announce roster moves ahead of Browns game; NFL fines WR Jauan Jennings $12,172
On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns: Activated K Matt Gay from the team's practice squad (standard elevation) Activated LB Jalen Graham from the practice squad (standard... -
49ers rookie Kurtis Rourke explains why recent roster move is so important
The San Francisco 49ers opened rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke's practice window on Monday, giving the team 21 days to evaluate the young signal-caller as he works to prove he is healthy after undergoing surgery in January to repair a torn ACL, an injury he played through in... -
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...