San Francisco 49ers promote TE Willis, move OL Parker to practice squad

The following release on Kyle Shanahan is courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers:

The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have promoted TE Brayden Willis to the active roster from the team’s practice squad. In order to make room on the roster, the team placed OL Ben Bartch on the Injured Reserve List. In addition, the team has signed OL Brandon Parker to the practice squad.

Willis (6-4, 240) signed to the team’s practice squad on August 27, 2025 and has appeared in one game with the team this season. Bartch (6-6, 315) started each of the team’s first two games this season.

Parker (6-8, 320) was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round (65th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Throughout his six-year career with the Raiders (2018-23), 49ers (2024) and Atlanta Falcons (2024-25) he has appeared in 59 games (33 starts) and started in one postseason contest. In 2024, Parker spent time with both the 49ers and Falcons. He signed to the Falcons practice squad on August 27, 2025 and was later released by the team on September 2.

A 29-year-old native of Kannapolis, NC, Parker attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for five seasons (2013-17) where he started in 48 games. Parker was named the MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year in consecutive seasons (2015-16) and was a three-time All-MEAC selection (2015-17).

More San Francisco 49ers coverage on Sactown Sports

Backup quarterback Mac Jones got the job done in New Orleans, filling in for Brock Purdy who is dealing with a toe injury.

Originally listed as out for 2-5 weeks after suffering the injury in Seattle during game one, it seems like the starting QB may be ahead of schedule.

San Francisco’s head coach, Kyle Shanahan, told reporters on Wednesday that Purdy “will be limited” in this week’s practice.

When questioned about his availability for their week three home opener against Arizona, Shanahan said Purdy “does have a chance” to play.

For him, it’s all about getting a gauge for how the Iowa State product is feeling headed into Sunday.

Read More:

49ers QB Brock Purdy (toe) has ‘a chance’ to play in home opener

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• Sunday, September 21st – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:25 PM PT
• Sunday, September 28th – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:05 PM PT
• Thursday, October 2nd – @ Los Angeles Rams – 5:15 PM PT
• Sunday, October 12th – @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 10:00 AM PT
• Sunday, October 19th – vs. Atlanta Falcons – 5:20 PM PT

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