49ers sign 3 players, place 2 on IR, waive another

The San Francisco 49ers’ flurry of roster moves aren’t done.

On Wednesday afternoon the team announced three new signings to their 53-man roster. Offensive lineman Ben Bartch, tight end Eric Saubert and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin are all back with the club after getting let go during Tuesday’s roster cutdown.

In a trio of corresponding moves, San Francisco placed CB Ambry Thomas and OL Jon Feliciano on IR. They also waived defensive end Sam Okuayinonu.

Bartch will provide some much-needed interior OL depth with Feliciano on IR. Feliciano could miss at least half the season after undergoing knee surgery during the preseason. It’s unclear whether he will return in 2024. Bartch spent part of last season with the 49ers after spending time on the Jaguars practice squad.

Adding Saubert gives the 49ers three TEs on their roster. He joins George Kittle and Jake Tonges. While Tonges was on the initial 53-man roster, it may be the more experienced Saubert lining up as the TE2 when the team takes the field in Week 1. He isn’t as good as Tonges in the passing game, but he’s a better blocker which could earn him early playing time.

We picked Ya-Sin to make the initial 53-man roster. He was released, but likely knew the 49ers planned on bringing him back to fill an open roster spot. Thomas broke his forearm in the first preseason game. A timeline for his return to the 49ers’ roster is uncertain. Ya-Sin has some special teams experience, which will likely be his primary role.

Okuayinonu was a surprise to make the initial 53-man roster. San Francisco may have placed him on waivers because they’re confident Yetur Gross-Matos will be healthy to play in the opener. They may also be satisfied with the internal depth they’ll have on the practice squad. That’s where Okuayinonu could wind up if he clears waivers.