Trent Williams activated for Week 1 game against Jets

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers added more depth at defensive end and safety on Monday with two new additions from the practice squad.

Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu and safety Tracy Walker III were promoted from the practice squad to be available for the Week 1 game against the New York Jets on Monday night. They will fill backup roles with defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and safety Talanoa Hufanga unavailable.

The 49ers also activated All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams from the reserve/non-reporting list so he can return to his starting position for the opening game of the 2024 season at Levi's Stadium.

The 49ers released veteran offensive tackle Brandon Parker from the 53-man roster to make room for Williams. Parker re-signed with the team last week, while Williams stayed away from the team as a holdout during contract negotiations.

Williams eventually agreed to a new three-year, $82.66 million contract, with $48 million guaranteed. After he reported to the team, the 49ers were granted a roster waiver, so they didn't have to make an immediate move.

Hufanga is close to returning to action after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in November of last season. He participated in limited practice last week and the 49ers have listed his participation in the season opener as questionable.

Ji'Ayir Brown and George Odum are expected to be the 49ers' starting safeties.

Walker could become the 49ers' third safety ahead of rookie Malik Mustapha. Walker has plenty of experience battling quarterback Aaron Rodgers, spending six seasons with the Detroit Lions, making 43 starts in 79 games.

Rodgers played his first 18 NFL seasons in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the Jets last year.

The 49ers have strengthened their outside positions due to the loss of Gross-Matos, who suffered an injury to his right knee in San Francisco's last preseason game.

Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd are the 49ers' starting defensive ends, while Robert Beal Jr. and Okuayinonu are expected to be used as part of the team's defensive line rotation.

Running back Christian McCaffrey and left guard Aaron Banks are questionable and the 49ers must submit their roster of 48 active players for the game 90 minutes before kickoff at 5:15 p.m.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast