This spring, the San Francisco 49ers had visions of an offense that featured Joe Williams in the backfield and Jeremy Kerley in the slot.
Fast forward to the first week of September, and neither of those players will appear in a 49ers’ uniform this season.
As San Francisco races to cut its roster down to 53 players, the 49ers have reportedly placed Williams on injured reserve and released Kerley. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Williams would go on injured reserve with an ankle injury, while Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that the 49ers planned on cutting Kerley.
The #49ers are placing rookie RB Joe Williams on IR, source said. Ankle injury for talented 4th-round pick.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 2, 2017
Source: The #49ers have informed WR Jeremy Kerley of his release.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 2, 2017
On Friday afternoon, the 49ers announced they cut running backs Tim Hightower and Kapri Bibbs, so starter Carlos Hyde, undrafted rookie Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert will form the team’s initial trio in the backfield. Because he was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, Williams is not eligible to play this season.
Kerley was the 49ers’ leading receiver in 2016, but undrafted rookie Victor Bolden made a tremendous push for a roster spot thanks to his dynamic return abilities that were on display throughout the preseason, while slot receivers Trent Taylor and Aldrick Robinson are poised to steal the reps that Kerley took with the 49ers’ offense last season.
The 49ers must cut their roster down to 53 players by 1 p.m. PT on Saturday.