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HC Kyle Shanahan Cuts 49ers Rookie from 53-Man Roster for Skipping the Post–Final Preseason Film Session

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Santa Clara, CA — Just one day after the preseason finale, the San Francisco 49ers announced they had waived rookie Junior Bergen from the 53-man roster for missing the team’s next-morning film session. The decision landed at the most sensitive point of cutdown week and underscored the locker-room standard inside Levi’s Stadium.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan delivered a firm message : “If you can’t be there for your teammates in the film room the next morning, then what you did on the field doesn’t mean much. In San Francisco, discipline comes first; if you don’t respect the process, you won’t play for the 49ers.”

Internally , the post-finale review is a mandatory corrections day: the team goes through tape, position coaches grade every snap, and the coaching staff plus personnel department finalize rankings before locking the 53. Missing that checkpoint—whatever the reason—counts as a violation of preparation protocol, sending the wrong message about professionalism, especially for a fringe WR/returner whose path depends on special-teams value and day-to-day readiness.

Junior Bergen offered an explanation  and took responsibility. He said a postgame travel issue caused him to arrive late and miss the meeting, even though he alerted staff at the last minute; he also expressed a desire to keep a door open, even via the practice squad: “I grew up dreaming of wearing the 49ers’ red and gold, and I believe I belong on this team. Missing the film session this morning is on me—even with the travel hiccup, I should’ve been more proactive. I’ve apologized to my coaches and teammates, and I’m asking for a real chance to keep competing, even if it’s through the practice squad.”

Procedurally, Bergen now enters the 24-hour waiver period. If unclaimed, the 49ers could sign him to the practice squad and evaluate week to week: special-teams impact (return depth/gunner), a small package within the game plan, and readiness to elevate when needed. However, a “missed meeting” at the final grading checkpoint is a significant demerit, meaning he must win back trust with meticulous habits and professional urgency on the practice field. Bergen has spoken up and is awaiting a final decision from the staff on the path forward.

Cutdown day is ruthless. A small slip away from the field can wash out an entire month of August work. Still, Junior Bergen’s story isn’t closed: from mistake to a chance at redemption—even if it starts with a modest foothold on the practice squad—where discipline is repaid with trust.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”