Instant analysis of 49ers’ 53-man roster — and those left off it, like ‘The Hulk’

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers unveiled a few surprises Tuesday with their initial 53-man roster.

Among the outcasts was “The Hulk,” as incredible as that may seem for undrafted rookie Sebastian Valdez, a defensive tackle who got that nickname from offensive linemen.

Among the procedural shenanigans: punter Thomas Morstead got released, almost assuredly for just 24 hours so a player can slide Wednesday on to non-season-ending Injured Reserve, such as wide receiver Jacob Cowing.

Almost half of the roster is devoted to the trenches. They’ve kept 10 offensive linemen (yes to rookie Drew Moss, no to guard Nick Zakelj). Topping that total are 11 defensive linemen, including Yetur Gross-Matos’ activation off the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Demarcus Robinson’s three-game suspension came down Tuesday, so the 49ers went with five other wide receivers, two of whom are hurt: Cowing and Jordan Watkins.

Before examining the 53-man roster position-by-position, here are all those who did not make the cut:

Released: punter Morstead; wide receivers Robbie Chosen, Russell Gage, Isaiah Hodgins, and Malik Turner; linebackers Curtis Robinson and Chazz Surratt; running back Jeff Wilson Jr.; defensive linemen Trevis Bipson, Jonathan Garvin, and Bruce Hector; cornerback Fabian Moreau; and, offensive lineman Michael Dunn.

Waived: Offensive linemen Nick Zakelj and Drake Nugent; wide receivers Terique Owens and Junior Bergen; defensive linemen Sebastian Valdez and William Bradley-King; linebackers Jalen Graham and Stone Blanton; cornerbacks Dallis Flowers and Derrick Canteen; safety Jaylen Mahoney; and tight end Brayden Willis.

Suspended: Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (three games), offensive tackle Isaac Alarcon (six games)

Injured reserve: Defensive tackle Kevin Givens (designated for return) and cornerback Jakob Robinson.

Reserve/PUP: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and safety Malik Mustapha. (Note: defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos was activated off PUP.)

Reserve/NFI: Quarterback Kurtis Rourke

Here is a position-by-position analysis:

QUARTERBACK (2)

*Brock Purdy

Mac Jones

ANALYSIS: Purdy enters his fourth NFL season with heavier expectations and generational wealth ($265 million contract). Jones flourished throughout camp, albeit against second-string defenders; he’s wearing a sleeve on his left leg because of a knee sprain that kept him out of last week’s practice. Neither Tanner Mordecai nor Carter Bradley is a QB3 option after getting waived injured, so expect another waiver-wire outcast or familiar veteran to join the practice squad. Rating: 8

RUNNING BACK (5)

*Christian McCaffrey

*Kyle Juszczyk (FB)

Brian Robinson Jr.

Isaac Guerendo

Jordan James

ANALYSIS: McCaffrey was their only back to emerge unscathed in camp and the preseason (no snaps), then they added a No. 2 by trading for Robinson from the Commanders. Robinson envisions them as the “best duo in the league,” but someone should break it to him that McCaffrey is a ball hog who must be pried off the field. Guerendo’s separated shoulder in camp adds to a concerning medical history, and the 49ers weren’t going to rely on him as RB2 if they could help it. James’ finger surgery midway through camp means he’ll be stashed to develop at a later date his rookie year. Rating: 8

WIDE RECEIVER (5)

*Jauan Jennings

*Ricky Pearsall

Jordan Watkins

Skyy Moore

Jacob Cowing

ANALYSIS: Jennings’ status remains murky as he hasn’t practiced since July 27, and while coach Kyle Shanahan said he expects Jennings to get over his calf issue and play in the season opener, an impasse remains over contract-extension talks. Pearsall was the most targeted and reliable the past month leading into what could be a banner sophomore season. Cowing, a hyped-up prospect in the spring, still could land on Injured Reserve with a hamstring tear. Brandon Aiyuk’s daily presence at practice — with him pantomiming routes on the side — is encouraging but his comeback can’t come until Week 5, more likely Week 6 at Tampa. The NFL finally announced Robinson’s three-game suspension for a no-contest DUI. Moore’s primary role is as of a return specialist, but the receiver shortage could prompt more offensive snaps than usual. Rating: 3

TIGHT END (3)

*George Kittle

Luke Farrell

Jake Tonges

ANALYSIS: Kittle’s targets should be greater than normal for the 49ers’ No. 3 all-time pass catcher. That not only reflects the wide receiver depth but Farrell’s arrival as a terrific blocker, thus freeing Kittle to run more routes as Purdy’s most trusted target. Tonges has come on strong and can moonlight at fullback, if needed. Rating: 9

OFFENSIVE LINE (10)

*LT Trent Williams

*LG Ben Bartch

*C Jake Brendel

*RG Dominick Puni

*RT Colton McKivitz

T/G Spencer Burford

C/G Matt Hennessy

G Connor Colby

G Drew Moss

T Austen Pleasants

Analysis: No better sight the past month than Williams churning his way through camp and recapturing All-Pro form. No more concerning issue than at guard, where injuries to Bartch (elbow) and Puni (knee) might initially leave the 49ers vulnerable up the middle. Both Colby (seventh-rounder) and Moss (undrafted) make it as rookie guards. McKivitz, after building strength and flexibility this offseason, is entering a contract year and is onto his third agent in seek of financial security. Hennessy’s potential as a backup center apparently trumped Zakelj’s interior versatility. Rating: 6

DEFENSIVE LINE (11)

*DE Nick Bosa

*DE Mykel Williams

*DT Jordan Elliott

*DT Kalia Davis

DE Yetur Gross-Matos

DE Bryce Huff

DE Sam Okuayinonu

DT Alfred Collins

DT C.J. West

DT Evan Anderson

DE Robert Beal Jr.

Analysis: Williams return from an Aug. 14 knee injury is a terrific boost to a bloated, 11-man unit. The edges now appear stronger than the interior, with Gross-Matos’ activation off PUP and Huff’s quickness on the edge, ideally complementing Year 7 Bosa in pursuit of mediocre passers on this year’s schedule. The new front’s rotation must find a way to stop the run in Robert Saleh’s return as coordinator. Rating: 7

LINEBACKER (5)

*Fred Warner

*Dee Winters

*Luke Gifford

Nick Martin

Tatum Bethune

Analysis: Swirling around Warner is a cast of unknown potential. Is Winters ready for a full-time role as Warner’s wingman? Can Martin ascend quickly enough in his rookie season? Bethune was solid in the preseason, so what did that get him? And is Gifford really the No. 3 linebacker or simply a special-teams ace masquerading in this lineup until a younger player gets his shot? Rating: 7

CORNERBACK (6)

*Deommodore Lenoir

*Renardo Green

Upton Stout (NB)

Chase Lucas (NB)

Siran Neal

Darrell Luter Jr.

Analysis: The 49ers want Lenoir and Green to serve as their starting tandem for years. Lenoir may not be able to stay strictly on the outside, however. Stout missed the preseason with a calf injury to stall his hot camp. Dallis Flowers got cut after filling in for an injured Green on the first string. Neal and Luter are special teams mainstays.

SAFETY (4)

*Jason Pinnock

*Marques Sigle

Ji’Ayir Brown

Richie Grant

Analysis: If the 49ers brought in a veteran starter at the last minute, it wouldn’t be shocking. Sigle seemed to fast-track his way into the lineup through the preseason.

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SPECIALISTS (2)

K Jake Moody

LS Jon Weeks

Analysis: No punter? Check back in 24 hours to confirm that Thomas Morstead returns after briefly exiting to spare another player from season-ending IR. (“R.E.L.A.X.” Morstead posted on an Instagram picture.) At least six kickers hit the market Tuesday and that could make the 49ers reconsider their commitment to Jake Moody, whose inconsistencies trace to the end of his rookie year. Those now available: Dustin Hopkins (Browns), Matthew Wright (Panthers), Ben Sauls (Steelers), Lenny Krieg (Falcons), Caden Davis (Bills), Charlie Smyth (Saints).