49ers Weigh Surprises and Concerns in Bye-Week Roster Review

The 49ers entered their bye at 6-1, using the break to recover from a season marked by injuries and review a first loss to Atlanta, in which four turnovers proved costly. One of the team’s biggest surprises has been its offensive line, which has protected Brock Purdy far better than preseason expectations suggested; the safety group has also improved, while rookie performances have ranged from promising contributions by Kaelon Black and defensive lineman Ricky Pearsall? to players still awaiting opportunities or consistency. On the other side of the ledger, kicker Eddy Piñeiro’s struggles and Jacob Cowing’s punt-return decisions have raised concerns, and several players remain limited by injuries or uneven play. The 49ers’ bye-week assessments point to a team with strong overall results but clear areas to address as it tries to regain momentum for the second half of the season.