On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins:
- Waived OL Sebastian Gutierrez
- Promoted LB Jalen Graham to the active roster from the team's practice squad
- Promoted OL Austen Pleasants to the active roster from the practice squad
- Elevated DL Alex Barrett from the practice squad (standard elevation)
- Elevated RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn from the practice squad (standard elevation)
Gutierrez appeared in one game with the 49ers this season. He did not appear in any games in 2023 but played in one game with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Gutierrez was with the Indianapolis Colts earlier in the season but did not appear in any games with them.
Graham has been on and off the team this season. His promotion comes after the 49ers suspended LB De'Vondre Campbell for conduct detrimental to the team. Campbell refused to go into the game against the Los Angeles Rams when the 49ers were short on linebackers. Graham now takes his spot and will look to make the most of his opportunity. In five games with the 49ers this season, Graham has recorded five tackles.
Pleasants, a third-year player, has played in two games in his NFL career. Last season, he appeared in one game with the Los Angeles Chargers, and in 2022, he appeared in one game with the Carolina Panthers. Pleasants has played guard and tackle but has not played in any games in 2024. The 49ers signed the big offensive lineman (6'7, 330 lbs.) to the practice squad on December 17th after he was released by the Chicago Bears.
Barrett began his career with the Detroit Lions in 2017. He has appeared in only nine games and has recorded six tackles and two QB hits. Barrett has not appeared in an NFL game since 2020.
Vaughn has two carries for four yards this season but may be needed to help the 49ers running game in Miami, with RB Isaac Guerendo already being declared out for Sunday's game. Patrick Taylor, Jr. is set to get the start, but Vaughn could also see some snaps. Newly acquired RB Israel Abanikanda may see some action on Sunday, as well.
Barrett and Vaughn are both standard elevations, meaning they will return to the practice squad after Sunday's game.