The 49ers opened the season against the Rams with six rookie-contract players inactive, a clear sign that the team is leaning on veterans in its first game of the year. The inactive list also came after the 49ers had nine players limited on their first injury report of the season, adding some context to how the Week 1 roster was shaped.
Among the inactive players were QB Kurtis Rourke, CB Ephesians Prysock, RB Jordan James, WR Jordan Watkins, LB Tatum Bethune, and OT Enrique Cruz. That left the 49ers to handle the opener with a lineup built more around established players than developmental options.
What the roster decision means
At running back, the 49ers had only two backs active, which is notable given Kyle Shanahan said this past offseason that he regretted not involving more running backs last season. With just two running backs available, Deebo Samuel could be asked to take on more work out of the backfield.
The special teams side of the decision also stood out. Brant Boyer wanted a different body type on specific special teams units than Tatum Bethune, which helps explain at least part of the inactive picture. In the same way, the wide receiver group was also trimmed down, with Jordan Watkins inactive while Demarcus Robinson and KhaDarel Hodge were active.
For the 49ers, the message from the first inactive list of the season was straightforward: this was a Week 1 game plan centered on veterans, not on giving every rookie an immediate role. That approach may change as the season moves forward, but against the Rams, the team chose the safer, more experienced route.
