San Francisco 49ers make late move that could have significant impact on makeup of their 53-man roster

The San Francisco 49ers will set their 53-man roster next week, and their tight end room may look different than anticipated after they made a late move to bring back a veteran at the position.

San Francisco announced on Thursday that it had signed tight end Logan Thomas and waived/injured safety Tayler Hawkins. If Hawkins goes unclaimed on waivers, he will revert to injured reserve.

Thomas was previously signed by the 49ers in June but released him on August 9, Thomas having seen his first training camp with the team disrupted by a hamstring injury.

The former Washington Commanders tight end has the receiving talent to give the 49ers a more dynamic pass-catching option behind starter and All-Pro George Kittle.

Last season, Thomas had 55 catches for 496 yards and four touchdowns.

Eric Saubert appears to have solidified himself as the second tight end behind Kittle, but is best known as a blocking tight end rather than for his play in the receiving game.

Brayden Willis has impressed in camp , while the surprise progress of Jake Tonges has made him a candidate for a roster spot.

But Thomas' return will damage the hopes of both Willis and Tonges, while it is another blow to former third-round pick Cameron Latu, who has struggled to have the desired impact heading into his second year in the league after missing the entirety of his rookie season due to injury.

It remains to be seen how the battle behind Kittle and Saubert will work out, but Thomas' return indicates the 49ers aren't entirely happy with the options they have at their disposal.

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