49ers News: Hufanga Returns to 49ers' Roster; Mitchell out for the Season with Injury

The San Francisco 49ers have made significant roster moves ahead of the upcoming season, activating All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga while placing running back Elijah Mitchell on season-ending injured reserve.

Hufanga, who has been recovering from knee surgery, will be available for the team's season opener on September 9.

His activation from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list allows him to contribute without missing the first four games of the season. Although he has not yet participated in team practices, he has been seen engaging in individual conditioning.

In contrast, Mitchell's season has come to an abrupt end due to ongoing hamstring issues and a history of knee injuries.

Defensive tackle Kalia Davis also landed on injured reserve but has been designated for a potential return later in the season, similar to linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who starts the season on PUP.

The 49ers also made several cuts, including tight ends Eric Saubert, Logan Thomas, and Brayden Willis, leaving George Kittle as the only tight end on the roster. They have added Jake Tonges, a local product, to the practice squad.

At quarterback, Brock Purdy will have Brandon Allen and Josh Dobbs as backups, while undrafted rookie Tanner Mordecai was waived.

The wide receiver corps includes Brandon Aiyuk, despite uncertainties surrounding his contract situation, along with Deebo Samuel and others.

Left tackle Trent Williams remains on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, which does not count against the roster limit.

Hufanga suffered a non-contact ACL tear during a game last November. He has been focused on a careful return to the field, emphasizing the importance of patience in his recovery process.

He said his goal was to ease into training camp and “trying to be smart with it. … Being patient is a big part of this process, for sure.”

The 49ers are gearing up for their season opener and will look to finalize their roster as they prepare for the challenges ahead.