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49ers Rookie Gives Up 53-Man Roster Opportunity to Care for Ill Parents

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San Francisco, CA – Just days before the final roster deadline, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Corey Kiner has decided to step away from the 53-man roster battle to return home and care for his seriously ill parents.

Kiner, 23, joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 Draft. In the preseason, he made his mark with 12 carries for 68 yards, including a 19-yard burst against Las Vegas—enough to show depth potential behind the starters.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised him after the game: “Corey has speed and toughness. He’s the kind of player we want to build with.”

Later that day, Kiner issued a statement —keeping the original message intact, adjusted for the 49ers:

“Thank you San Francisco 49ers for the incredible opportunity to chase my NFL dream. But right now, my parents—who sacrificed everything for me—are fighting illness. My father has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and my mother is recovering from breast cancer surgery. I need to be with them. The NFL is a dream, but family is my foundation. Thank you, Faithful, and I hope to be back soon. #FaithfulToTheBay

General manager John Lynch offered support : “Corey is a young talent with a big heart. We respect his decision to put family first—and the door is always open for his return.”

From a football standpoint, the decision does not significantly disrupt the 49ers’ RB depth—currently anchored by Christian McCaffrey and recent trade addition Brian Robinson Jr.—while other rookies continue their push for roster spots.

On social media, fans rallied around the hashtag #CoreyStrong. If his family situation stabilizes, Kiner could pursue another NFL opportunity in 2026—perhaps even rejoining San Francisco’s practice squad—with his preseason tape still speaking for him.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722