In a surprising turn of events, offensive lineman Pat Elflein’s time with the San Francisco 49ers was cut short before it even truly began. The team announced on Monday that Elflein had been placed on injured reserve, just days after being signed on Friday. The reason for his injury designation? An injured calf, a setback that has sidelined the 30-year-old lineman once again.
Elflein, who last saw game action in 2022 with the Carolina Panthers, had signed with the Arizona Cardinals in July 2023 only to be placed on injured reserve in late August. This string of injuries is surely a frustrating turn of events for the former third-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2017.
Having started 65 career games for various teams including the Vikings, New York Jets, and Panthers, Elflein’s reliability on the offensive line was surely a key factor in the 49ers’ decision to bring him in. However, it seems that fate had other plans for Elflein in San Francisco.
In response to Elflein’s injury, the 49ers moved quickly to fill his roster spot by signing offensive lineman Lewis Kidd to a one-year deal. Kidd, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2022, brings with him some experience despite his relatively short time in the league.
With 13 games and one start under his belt with the Saints, Kidd’s journey in the NFL has been a winding one. Most recently with the Indianapolis Colts, Kidd found himself on the waiver wire on July 31st, paving the way for his new opportunity with the 49ers.
Only time will tell how Kidd will fit in with the 49ers and if he can make an impact on the offensive line in Elflein’s absence. As for Elflein, the road to recovery once again looms ahead, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what could have been for the talented lineman in San Francisco.