The San Francisco 49ers have executed a series of strategic roster adjustments midway through their training camp, indicating a proactive approach to solidify team depth. These changes include the re-acquisition of offensive lineman Nick Zakelj and the addition of defensive lineman Victor Dimukeje. These decisions reflect the team's commitment to optimizing its lineup in response to preseason performance and player availability, with the aim of bolstering both the offensive and defensive lines as the regular season draws near. To facilitate these additions, running back Khalil Herbert and offensive lineman Kion Smith were released from the squad.
Nick Zakelj's return to the 49ers marks a swift reunion, occurring merely a week after his initial release. The offensive lineman, a sixth-round pick from 2022, was previously let go on August 10th following an elbow injury, making way for Doug Kramer Jr. However, after witnessing vulnerabilities in their interior line depth during the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, the front office promptly reinstated Zakelj. His experience, having participated in 29 games with two starts over the past four seasons, is now considered invaluable for the team's stability.
Meanwhile, Kion Smith, who joined the 49ers on August 6th, played 33 snaps at right guard during the same exhibition game. His performance, however, was marred by difficulties in run blocking and allowing multiple pressures, leading the coaching staff to opt for Zakelj's re-signing. This quick turnaround underscores the intense scrutiny and rapid decision-making characteristic of NFL training camps, where every snap can influence a player's future with the team.
The acquisition of Victor Dimukeje is a strategic move to reinforce the pass-rush unit, providing crucial depth as the 49ers navigate early camp workloads and injuries, notably involving star pass-rusher Nick Bosa, who is contending with knee tendinitis. Dimukeje, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 250 lbs, was a sixth-round selection by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Duke. Over his five-year career, which includes stints with Arizona (2021–24) and the New York Giants (2025), he has played in 60 games, making eight starts. His career statistics include 51 tackles, 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes defensed, with his most impactful season in 2023 for Arizona, where he recorded a career-best four sacks and 17 quarterback pressures. With only five edge rushers utilized in the preseason opener, Dimukeje's veteran presence and motor are expected to be vital in supporting Keion White and Sam Okuayinonu throughout the remaining exhibition schedule.
These mid-camp adjustments, including the departure of Khalil Herbert and Kion Smith, illustrate the 49ers' meticulous process of refining their roster. Herbert, signed on August 2nd to address early backfield issues, saw his brief tenure conclude after participating in the preseason opener, coinciding with the arrival of Zamir White. Smith's release followed his solitary preseason appearance against Tennessee, highlighting the competitive nature of securing a spot on an NFL roster. As the regular season rapidly approaches, the team's management continues to fine-tune its squad, hoping that Dimukeje and the re-energized Zakelj will firmly establish their roles as exhibition play continues.
