49ers sign 2 former first-rounders to practice squad amid injuries
The 49ers were active on Tuesday, adding multiple players from the 2019 NFL Draft in response to their ongoing injury concerns
Although the San Francisco 49ers are 5-3, it is hard for fans to feel too optimistic about the team's chances this season following yet another avalanche of injuries. Star players are sidelined and there is little depth to be found right now, putting Kyle Shanahan in a difficult spot. The respected head coach can only hope that his squad takes advantage of a favorable November slate and builds a reasonable cushion for the final stretch of the campaign. He needs some reinforcements, though.
Niners general manager John Lynch has been busy on Tuesday. After acquiring pass-rusher Keion White in a trade with the New England Patriots, San Francisco is expected to sign defensive end and 2019 top-five draft pick Clelin Ferrell to its practice squad, per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Management is staying focused on the trenches and is also making a move on the offensive line.
The 49ers are adding veteran tackle Andre Dillard to their practice squad, another 2019 first-round selection, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. They are releasing Brandon Parker to make room for him.
Can the injury-ravaged 49ers find a way forward?
These are obviously just minor moves, but neither Lynch nor Shanahan can afford to be picky right now. The team needs bodies, and these two boasted a ton of promise coming out of college. Ferrell helped Clemson win two national championships and entered the NFL Draft as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. The Las Vegas Raiders were enamored with the 6-foot-4 edge rusher, using the No. 4 overall pick on him.
Ferrell recorded only 10 sacks in 58 games with the Silver and Black and has bounced around over the last few years. He spent the 2023-24 campaign with the 49ers, tallying three and a half sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and six tackles for loss. He may not fill a starting role during his second stint with the team, but perhaps the 28-year-old could still be of some assistance during these desperate times.
Dillard has also been unable to fulfill his potential, flaming out with the Philadelphia Eagles and making stops at the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers. If necessary, he should have enough experience to occasionally fill in on the O-Line.
The Niners are in survival mode, as per usual, and these signings reflect as much. They battle the New York Giants (2-6) in MetLife Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
Should Fantasy Owners Panic About Jacory Croskey-Merritt?
Amid a flurry of injuries, the Washington Commanders have endured a tough start to the season, suffering losses in each of their last three games following a 3-2 stretch through their first five games. The Commanders sit at third in the NFC East standings and have faced inconsistency offensively with Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel each missing time this season.
In the backfield, rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt entered the season with high expectations given the group’s lack of high-end talent. Following a 27.0-PPR point outing in Week 5, the Commanders rookie has struggled mightily in fantasy, mustering under 6.0 points in each of their last three games.
Washington has been forced to abandon its ground game at times due to large deficits, raising concern over Croskey-Merritt’s fantasy stock going forward. With Jayden Daniels sidelined in Week 8, Croskey-Merritt posted just 2.5 PPR points on the ground, his lowest mark of the season thus far.
Without the remainder of its stars, teams have keyed in on the efficient production of Croskey-Merritt, who is looking to snap a skid of lackluster output. Entering a crucial Week 9 matchup, let’s determine if now is the time for fantasy owners to panic about the Commanders running back.
Oct 13, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. / Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Despite his fantasy woes, Washington’s rookie back has recorded 82 carries for 402 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Croskey-Merritt is one of the top rushing rookies in the NFL this season and is on pace for nearly 900 yards in his rookie campaign.
Still, that doesn’t mean his fantasy production hasn’t emerged concerning. Amid yet another injury to Daniels, Croskey-Merritt and Washington’s offense could continue to endure its share of struggles as they gear up for a matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9.
In Week 8, Croskey-Merritt managed just 25 yards over nine carries without catching a pass during the loss. Without consistent volume, the running back endured a limited ceiling for production, lowering his fantasy stock entering the new week.
The Commanders will hope for Daniels back in time for Sunday’s game versus Seattle, coming off a lowly seven-point effort versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Should Daniels manage a return, Croskey-Merritt’s fantasy stock should trend in the correct direction with his running mate in the backfield.
