The 49ers on Wednesday announced a slew of roster moves, including the release of long snapper Kyle Nelson, and the addition of a new long snapper to take his place.
San Francisco waived Nelson after some recent struggles bubbled over into five poor snaps against the Giants in Week 3. It didn’t affect the team in that game, but they didn’t want to get to a place where it did have an impact on a win or loss.
Taybor Pepper was signed to a one-year deal to replace Nelson. He made his debut in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the Packers. Pepper played four games that season, and snapped for the Dolphins all 16 games during the 2019 campaign. He’s the fifth long snapper the 49ers have had since the start of last season.
The team also made the signing of tight end Daniel Helm official. He’ll add depth with Jordan Reed nursing a knee injury that’s supposed to keep him out six-to-eight weeks. To make room on the roster, San Francisco placed linebacker and special teams ace Mark Nzeocha on Injured Reserve with a quad injury. Reed remains on the roster for now, but the expectation is he’ll go on Injured Reserve.
There was some movement on the practice squad as well. Offensive lineman William Sweet was released. With two spots open on their 16-man unit, the 49ers signed offensive lineman Cody Conway and tight end Charlie Taumoepeau.
Conway was an undrafted free agent who was with the Packers after signing with the Titans out of Syracuse in 2019. Taumoepeau was an undrafted free agent after this year’s draft. He signed with the Cowboys and also spent time with the Colts.