The 49ers signed Willis to the active roster from the practice squad Wednesday.
Willis takes the roster spot of Ben Bartch, whom San Francisco placed on IR on Wednesday. With George Kittle (hamstring) also on IR until at least Week 6, Willis is positioned to contribute in a reserve role at tight end versus the Cardinals on Sunday and beyond.
... See More... See Less
Brayden Willis: Returns to practice squad
Rotowire
Willis reverted to the 49ers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
Willis failed to reel in his only target while playing six offensive snaps in Sunday's 26-21 win over the Saints. The tight end is eligible to be elevated to the active roster two more times before the 49ers would have to sign him to the active roster.
... See More... See Less
49ers' Brayden Willis: Back with active roster
Rotowire
Willis was elevated from the 49ers' practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
The 2023 seventh-round pick from Oklahoma remained with San Francisco's practice squad after missing the active roster in late August, and he'll likely suit up for the first time this season Sunday. With George Kittle (hamstring) sidelined for the next four games at least, Willis could remain with the 49ers' active roster for the foreseeable future and serve as the No. 3 tight end.
... See More... See Less
49ers' Brayden Willis: No snaps on offense in Week 15
Rotowire
Willis played all 20 of his snaps on special teams in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.
The 49ers kept four tight ends active Thursday, but only two (George Kittle and Eric Saubert) saw snaps on offense, while Willis and Jake Tonges were limited to special-teams roles. Willis has suited up in seven games this season but has played just 10 total snaps on offense.
... See More... See Less
49ers' Brayden Willis: Inactive for Week 10
Rotowire
Willis (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.
Willis was signed to the 49ers' active roster Oct. 9 and played in Week 8 against the Cowboys, but he'll be a healthy scratch for Week 10. George Kittle, Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges will be the 49ers' three active tight ends for Sunday's game.
... See More... See Less
49ers' Brayden Willis: Receives promotion
Rotowire
Willis signed with the 49ers' active roster from their practice squad Wednesday.
Willis was only elevated from the practice squad once before in Week 3, so he was still eligible to be bumped up two more times. However, San Francisco will opt to sign the Oklahoma product to its active roster with the spot opened up by Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) being placed on IR.
... See More... See Less
Brayden Willis: Heads back to practice squad
Rotowire
Willis reverted to the 49ers' practice squad Monday.
The tight end played on four of 71 offensive snaps in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Rams, trailing Eric Saubert's 61 and Jake Tonges' 16. Willis was elevated to the active roster with starter George Kittle out due to a hamstring injury. Willis does not have a catch in eight career appearances with the 49ers.
... See More... See Less
49ers' Brayden Willis: Elevated for Week 3
Rotowire
The 49ers elevated Willis from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
Willis was unable to make the 49ers' 53-man roster at the end of training camp, but he opted to stick around on the practice squad. With George Kittle (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Willis will serve as the 49ers' No. 3 tight end behind Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges.
... See More... See Less
49ers' Brayden Willis: Selected by Niners
Rotowire
The 49ers selected Willis in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 247th overall.
Willis doesn't stand out as a receiver, but he served as a do-everything H-Back for Oklahoma. Given the way San Francisco has used Kyle Juszczyk, it's not particularly surprising to see them select Willis late in the draft. He isn't likely to make an immediate impact, but Willis could ultimately emerge as a useful piece in the 49ers offense.
