49ers release Brayden Willis to sign long snapper Jon Weeks in Australia

The San Francisco 49ers released tight end Brayden Willis on Saturday while the team was in Melbourne ahead of their NFL season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The roster move allows the club to promote long snapper Jon Weeks from the practice squad to the active roster. Weeks was previously released during roster cuts on August 30 but has rejoined the team to fill the only long snapper position. Willis now faces the prospect of returning to the United States if he is claimed by another team off waivers. The 49ers also signed Khalid Kareem from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, requiring him to travel to Australia. The decision to cut a tight end may indicate the team expects George Kittle to be available for Thursday's game following his Achilles tendon injury.

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