SANTA CLARA — Two weeks shy of the 49ers’ regular-season opener, they resumed practicing Monday and also got started shaving their roster.
Running backs Matt Breida and Ke’Shawn Vaughn were released, leaving Christian McCaffrey’s potential backups for now as Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr.
Waived were punter Pressley Harvin III, offensive lineman Lewis Kidd and wide receiver Jontre Kirklin.
Breida and Vaughn were added almost three weeks ago after injuries decimated the 49ers’ running back corps. McCaffrey has not practiced since an Aug. 4 calf strain, but the reigning NFL rushing champion has looked spry doing individual conditioning in recent weeks.
Mitchell (hamstring), Mason (hip), Guerendo (hamstring) and Taylor (foot) also battled injuries in camp. Guerendo made his 49ers debut Friday night and delivered a 93-yard kick return along with 11 carries for 32 yards.
Breida, who led the 2018 49ers in rushing amid his 2017-19 tenure, did not show the same speed and production as his first term. He had 15 carries for 29 yards. Vaughn had just two carries for 12 yards.
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Harvin excelled in the preseason as a temporary replacement for Mitch Wishnowsky, who was sidelined by a knee issue.
The 49ers must shave their roster to the NFL maximum of 53 players by Tuesday at 1 p.m.
Practices will also be held Wednesday and Thursday before an extended weekend.
The 49ers’ regular season opens on Monday night, Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.
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