49ers place Feliciano, Thomas on IR; re-sign TE Saubert, OL Bartch

Aug 28, 2024, 4:25 PM | Updated: 4:31 pm

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Jon Feliciano #55 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 25-22 in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

It took an extra day, but the 49ers have added two more names to the injured reserve ahead of the 2024 season.

The San Francisco 49ers announced Wednesday that offensive lineman Jon Feliciano and cornerback Ambry Thomas will be placed on IR, opening up two roster spots simultaneously. Both men will likely have the option to return at some point this season, but the 49ers would have to use one of their eight return designations allowed per season.

In light of the open roster space, the 49ers have re-signed fellow OL Ben Bartch, and tight end Eric Saubert to the active roster. The team has added CB Rock Ya-Sin back as well, and waived defensive lineman Sam Okuayinou.

49ers TE Eric Saubert’s IG post…

24 hours ago he was released and now he’s back with the team and on the 53-man roster pic.twitter.com/ZNiYstQwtI

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 28, 2024

Feliciano, 32, started seven of the 16 games he appeared in during his first season with the 49ers in 2023, playing 48 percent of the offensive snaps. The re-addition of Bartch suggests depth behind the interior of the 49ers’ offensive line was thin with Feliciano on ice for now.

Ambry Thomas suffered a fractured forearm during the 49ers’ first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. It’s possible Thomas could be scratched from the 2024 season entirely, looking to bounce back in 2025.

Meanwhile, Saubert’s appearance one the 53-man squad seemed inevitable, even after he was released prior to yesterday’s cutdowns. The veteran TE has been the most consistent member behind George Kittle this preseason, giving the 49ers a trusted face that be relied upon down the stretch.

The Red & Gold also announced their initial practice squad for the 2024 season Wednesday, with 15 members on the list. However, OL Isaac Alacron will not count against the total number, as he is a part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program.

Click here for the 49ers’ full 2024 practice squad.