Boyle earns keep

Gutekunst said he decided to keep rookie quarterback Tim Boyle on the 53-man roster instead of trying to sneak him onto the practice squad because he earned his place, not because he was worried about losing him.

Gutekunst said he liked Boyle’s arm talent, athletic ability and size, and Boyle certainly was impressive in the preseason opener against Tennessee on Aug. 9 and early in last Thursday’s preseason finale at Kansas City before throwing a pair of interceptions later in the game.

“He’s been able to come in and run the offense and make plays from Game 1 to Game 4. Like all young players, there’s been some ups and downs and inconsistencies, but I thought he’s really been able to hang in there and make big throws in some big moments,” Gutekunst said. “(He) is really trending in the right direction.”

Premium on versatility

Gutekunst said going with four tight ends and no fullbacks on the roster was in part a function of the versatility he saw from ex-University of Wisconsin standout Lance Kendricks and young tight end Robert Tonyan throughout the summer. The decision also was the result of fullbacks being less and less vital to offenses in recent years.