Veteran defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell is expected to see playing time for the 49ers on Sunday, just four days after signing with the team.
The 49ers on Saturday elevated Ferrell from the practice squad to see action as a rotational player against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The 49ers also elevated backup guard/center Nick Zakelj from the practice squad to suit up for the Week 9 game.
Also, the 49ers placed defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve to create a roster spot for backup offensive lineman Spencer Burford.
The 49ers activated Burford off injured reserve. He sustained a knee injury in the 49ers’ Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints. Burford will likely serve as the 49ers’ top backup at both tackle positions.
Gross-Matos, a six-year NFL veteran, aggravated a hamstring condition during practice on Thursday, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area. Gross-Matos did not see any action in the 49ers’ past three games after sustaining the injury Oct. 2 against the Los Angeles Rams. He is ineligible to play in the four games while on injured reserve.
Ferrell and newly acquired defensive lineman Keion White are expected to see significant action on Sunday against the Giants as part of the team’s defensive line rotation. White was acquired on Tuesday in a trade with the New England Patriots. Defensive linemen Sam Okuayinonu and Jordan Elliott are listed as questionable due to ankle injuries.
Ferrell started all 17 games for the 49ers during the 2023 regular season. However, he sustained a knee injury in the final game of the season and was unable to play in the postseason. He signed with Washington as a free agent for the 2024 season.
This year, Ferrell played in one game with the Los Angeles Chargers before he was released from their practice squad. The 49ers signed Ferrell to the team’s practice squad on Wednesday.
The 49ers’ depth on the defensive line is being tested. Star defensive end Nick Bosa is out for the season after sustaining an ACL tear. Edge rusher Bryce Huff will miss his second game in a row with a hamstring injury. And, now, Gross-Matos will be out for at least a month.
Gross-Matos signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the 49ers before last season. He missed six games a year ago due to a knee injury. He had four sacks in 11 games. Three of his sacks came in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears, and he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
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