The 49ers are adding former Lions safety Tracy Walker to their practice squad.
As the San Francisco 49ers navigate contract disputes with Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams, they are also making final adjustments to their 53-man roster, aiming to maintain their status as NFC frontrunners. The team is planning to add former Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker, who was released by Detroit in February.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers intend to sign Walker to their practice squad, with the goal of promoting him to the active roster for Week 1. The 29-year-old was initially cut by San Francisco before the 53-man roster deadline, but he will remain with one of the NFL’s elite teams.
Walker led the Lions in combined tackles during the 2021 season with 108. Over his six seasons in the league, after being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has played in 79 games, recording 398 combined tackles, 23 passes defended, 4.0 sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
49ers add defensive depth with Tracy Walker
The 49ers have strong contributors throughout their defense but need additional depth to navigate the regular season. Walker will provide backup for Talanoa Hufanga, George Odum, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Malik Mustapha. Hufanga, who tore his ACL in November, has yet to practice and might not be ready for Week 1 against the New York Jets, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Although he has been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, he could still require more recovery time.
Additionally, the 49ers are signing defensive end Jonatan Garvin to their practice squad, as reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 25-year-old previously played three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. While most of the roster is finalized, having solid injury replacements remains crucial.
The team is also facing some holdouts that could extend into the regular season. As they work through these issues, the rest of the squad is gearing up for an eagerly awaited season.
Be the first to comment