49ers Sign Veteran QB Sudfeld, Place RB Taylor Jr. on Injured List

The San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld to bolster their quarterback depth ahead of their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, following backup Mac Jones' knee injury. Sudfeld, familiar with the 49ers' system from previous stints in 2021 and 2022, offers a significant upgrade over younger quarterbacks Tanner Mordecai and Carter Bradley, who have struggled in training camp and preseason games. To make room for Sudfeld, the team placed running back Patrick Taylor Jr. on injured reserve due to a dislocated shoulder, marking another setback for the 49ers' already injury-plagued running back group. Sudfeld's experience and knowledge of the offense are expected to relieve pressure on Bradley during preseason action, especially with starters Brock Purdy and Mac Jones likely to see limited playing time. The move reflects the 49ers' priority to maintain depth and experience at the quarterback position as they face ongoing injury challenges. Meanwhile, the team's running back corps remains thin, with key players Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, and Corey Kiner sidelined, leaving Christian McCaffrey, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Ke'Shawn Vaughn as the primary healthy options.