It's almost Week 3 and the 49ers are already leaving IR candidate players on their 53 man roster to ensure they have Return from IR slots available later in the year.

If you're not aware, teams are allowed 8 IR slots where the player is allowed to return to the 53 when healthy, rather than being out for the year. It is the Wednesday before Week 3 kicks off, and the 49ers have already used 7 of their 8 slots. CB Nate Hobbs (groin) WR Christian Kirk (calf) LB Nick Martin (Hamstring) OL Austen Pleasants (knee) DE Sam Okuayinonu (foot) WE De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) DT CJ West (knee) Because it's so early in the season and the 49ers need to keep spots free on the return from IR list, two players have IR level of injuries (high ankle sprains), but wil

r/nfl · 5h ago