The San Francisco 49ers made a roster move on Wednesday by signing linebacker Stone Blanton to their practice squad. This addition comes amid expectations that the team will also sign a kicker, following Eddy Piñeiro’s hamstring injury, though that announcement might not occur until Thursday, just prior to the team’s first practice of the week.
Blanton, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 227 pounds, initially joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent when he signed with the 49ers on May 12, 2025. He went through training camp with the team but was waived on August 26. He later rejoined the practice squad on October 22 before being released again on November 4.
At just 23 years old, the Madison, Mississippi native brings a solid collegiate background to the team. Blanton played for Mississippi State University in 2024 after transferring from the University of South Carolina, where he played from 2022 to 2023. During his college career, he participated in 36 games (24 starts), accumulating impressive statistics that include 184 tackles, seven passes defended, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
As the 49ers look to bolster their roster, Blanton’s return might provide depth to the linebacker position as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the season.