The San Francisco 49ers are wasting no time addressing their depth concerns after a wave of injuries hit the roster. On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the team hosted five players for tryouts following injuries to tight end Jake Tonges and defensive tackle Alfred Collins. By the afternoon, the 49ers had signed tight end Jack Stoll to the practice squad, according to a report from Mike Garafolo. The move, confirmed by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, adds a seasoned blocker with 32 career starts to a tight end room in need of immediate reinforcement.
Tryout Candidates and Team Needs
San Francisco worked out three tight ends and two defensive tackles, a clear indication of where the front office sees vulnerability. The tight ends included Lawrence Cager (6’5”, 220), Tanner Conner (6’3”, 232), and Jack Stoll (6’4”, 247). Cager, 29, has not played a regular-season game since 2023, and his most productive season came in 2022 with 13 catches for 118 yards. Conner, undrafted in 2022, spent his rookie contract with the Dolphins and caught nine passes for 91 yards last season. Stoll, however, stood out due to his size and experience. He played for the Eagles from 2021 through 2024 before starting four games for the Saints last season, catching six passes for 46 yards. As Vulius Sports highlighted earlier, Stoll’s combination of size and starting experience made him the most likely candidate to stick.
Defensive Tackle Options Remain Unsigned
The 49ers also evaluated defensive tackles Larry Ogunjobi and Daniel Ekuale. Ogunjobi, 32, is a familiar name, having been in the NFL since 2017 and most recently playing for the Bills in 2025. At 6’3”, 305 pounds, he recorded five tackles for loss last season. If he has anything left in the tank, he could provide valuable rotational depth. Ekuale, also 32 and listed at 6’3”, 300 pounds, started 16 games for the Patriots in 2024 but has otherwise been a reserve since entering the league in 2019. He spent last year with the Steelers. Neither defensive tackle was signed as of Tuesday evening, but the team already added a defensive tackle to the practice squad earlier in the day, signaling that further moves could be coming.
What Stoll Brings to the Bay Area
Stoll’s signing is a low-risk, high-reward move for a 49ers team that values versatility at the tight end position. At 6’4” and 247 pounds, he profiles as an inline blocker who can also contribute in the passing game. His 32 career starts, primarily with the Eagles, demonstrate that he can handle a significant workload if called upon. While his receiving stats are modest—six catches for 46 yards last season—his role in San Francisco will likely mirror what he did in Philadelphia: provide reliable blocking on the edge and occasionally leak out for a catch. With Jake Tonges’ injury timeline uncertain, Stoll offers immediate insurance and competition.
Roster Implications and Next Steps
The 49ers’ decision to work out five players in a single day underscores the urgency of their situation. Injuries to Tonges and Collins have thinned out two position groups, and the team is clearly exploring all options. Stoll’s familiarity with NFC competition—having played for the Eagles and Saints—should ease his transition. Meanwhile, the defensive tackle tryouts suggest that San Francisco is not done tinkering with its depth chart. As the season progresses, the 49ers will need all the depth they can get in a grueling NFC West. For now, Stoll is the latest addition to a practice squad that could soon see more changes.
“Stoll probably has the best shot to make the roster,” a team source told the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, citing his size and experience.
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