Kyle Shanahan Hints at 'Tough Decisions' Looming on 49ers Roster

Like most of his contemporaries, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan will have to make tough decisions as roster cut day approaches before the new season kicks off.

The 49ers want to build on their momentum from last season after making it to the Super Bowl, and creating the ideal 53-man unit will be the focus of Shanahan in the coming days.

In particular, Shanahan acknowledged the rise of seldom-used linebacker Curtis Robinson, who has performed well at training camp and in the preseason. In a report from NBC Sports San Francisco's Jordan Elliot , Shanahan said Robinson continues to get better each year.

"He's been here for a while, helps out a lot on special teams, runs the show as the Mike linebacker," said Shanahan. "I’ve really enjoyed having Curtis here and he gets better each week.

"I have some tough decisions here when it comes down to the end.”

The 26-year-old Robinson first joined the 49ers in 2021 as a practice player. He has seen limited action, primarily contributing on special teams. While he has shown flashes of potential, he faces an uphill challenge to make the cut.

The 49ers have significant depth at the linebacker position, including All-Pros De'Vondre Campbell and Fred Warner and emerging talents like Jalen Graham and Dee Winters.

Still, Robinson has remained optimistic.

"I'm just trying to control what I can control," Robinson said, as quoted by Elliot's report. "I'm just trying to finish out strong next week, you know, stay healthy.

"Obviously, that's (final roster) up to them, but I'm feeling good."

Robinson has another chance to prove himself when the 49ers close out their preseason against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 23.

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