SANTA CLARA — Curtis Robinson is once again on the 49ers’ roster fringe, a linebacker in search of a role on one of the most loaded rosters in the NFL.
It has never been easy since going undrafted out of Stanford and signing with the Denver Broncos in 2021. And Robinson, 26, wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s extremely self-aware, with a keen understanding of where he is as a player and how he fits in the big picture.
“I personally believe I need a lot of development to be actually prepared and play and do substantial things in this league,” Robinson said. “That’s really been my focus, just trying to control what I can. It hasn’t really showed up on the field yet, but I try to keep my head down. Whatever happens, happens, but I feel good about the work I’ve put in.”
Released by Denver after three games as a rookie, Robinson has spent most of his time with the 49ers on the practice squad in the past two seasons, getting temporary promotions and playing in two games in 2022 and 2023.
He’s like a mountain climber who can’t reach the top of Everest, yet rejects smaller peaks to keep going after the tallest one. The 49ers close out the preseason Friday night against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
“When I first got here, they had Azeez (Al-Shaair) and Fred (Warner) and Dre (Greenlaw),” Robinson said. “I’d never been around a group like that before. I realized I was behind the eight-ball and I wanted to be a part of that group real bad. That’s still where my head’s at.”
How else to explain Robinson rejecting a chance last season to join the 53-man roster of the Tennessee Titans and instead remain on the practice squad with the 49ers at a considerably lower rate of pay?
And then sign with the 49ers again rather than attempt to catch on with another team?
“I really recognize this is a real special organization and I’ve been grateful to be here as long as I have and learn under the guys I have,” Robinson said.
Robinson even had to give up his old uniform No. 59 to incoming former All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell and 49ers analyst Tim Ryan referred to him as “Curtis Lofton,” a former NFL linebacker. But wearing No. 36, Robinson has been conspicuous with his play in preseason games against Tennessee and New Orleans.
Robinson (6-foot-2, 235 pounds) has played 67 defensive snaps in two games with 11 tackles, one for loss, and a pass defensed. The good news is he has been productive. Then again, it’s not unusual that the players who play the most in the preseason are simply stand-ins for those who will be among the final 53.
“Curtis just gets better each year,” Shanahan said Sunday night. “He’s been here for a while, helps out a lot on special teams, runs the show as the Mike linebacker. I’ve really enjoyed having Curtis here and he gets better each week and I have some tough decisions here when it comes down to the end.”
Robinson likes the continuity of knowing the system, and even stayed in Santa Clara during the offseason to train with fellow linebackers Fred Warner and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and running back Jordan Mason.
“I wanted something to change and I knew that if I stayed back and trained with them — Dre (Greenlaw) is here in the offseason as well — it helped me see what it takes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Robinson said, “how much really goes into those training days, and just kind of following their lead.”
Much of what Robinson does flies under the radar. When Malik Mustapha made a big hit on a fourth-down play against Tennessee, it was Robinson who set it up with a stop on third down. He saved a touchdown with a tackle on a screen pass to Julius Chestnut.
“He got off a block, flew across the field to make the tackle and they ended up missing a field goal,” defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said. “He has good command of the huddle and can play all three positions.”
Veteran Eric Saubert (82) has emerged as a potential backup for the 49ers to tight end George Kittle. Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group
Yet there are no guarantees. Even with Greenlaw expected to be out for at least four games as he rehabs from a torn Achilles, it’s a deep group. There’s Warner, Campbell and Flannigan-Fowles as well as second-year linebackers Dee Winters and Jalen Graham and rookie seventh-round pick Tatum Bethune.
“Things don’t always go your way and that’s kind of how the world works and I’ve been humbled multiple times so it’s nothing new to me,” Robinson said. “I have a bunch of great people in this building, not just in the linebacker room, that have shown me if you put the work in things will come to fruition more often than not.”
Here’s a look at other veterans on the fringe:
TE Eric Saubert: Drafted in 2017, Saubert, 30, looks to have the inside track to be the blocking backup to George Kittle after the departures of Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelly.
WR Chris Conley, Travis Taylor, Robbie Chosen: Conley’s speed and veteran presence give him a shot. Taylor can return kicks and play slot receiver. Chosen was signed in part because of Brandon Aiyuk’s status and had an impressive deep catch from Brock Purdy in Tuesday’s practice.
OT Chris Hubbard, Brandon Parker: Looks like one or the other will stick. Hubbard, an 11-year veteran, has done most of his work on the right side but has been trained on the left while Trent Williams works out a contract. Parker struggled with the Raiders in different systems with different coaches.
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RB Matt Breida: Breida, a 49er with Shanahan from 2017-19, was on speed dial after injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell and of late Jordan Mason. Has yet to find running room in two preseason games (13 rushes, 24 yards). His chance at the 53 is slim unless the injuries to the above-mentioned three linger.
DE Alex Barrett: He hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2020 but has been a trusted practice squad player on the edge whose background includes playing under D-line coach Kris Kocurek in Detroit. Barrett has shown up in the preseason.
CB Rock Ya-Sin, Isaac Yiadom: Yiadom impressed early until slowed by a hamstring strain. Ya-Sin’s physicality has stood out in practices and the preseason. Both 28-year-old veterans could stick, although the quick development of second-round pick Renardo Green could push one or the other off the initial 53.
