49ers Roster Moves Provide Boost for Defensive Line Ahead of Week 11
The San Francisco 49ers are receiving a boost to their defensive line as they prepare for their Week 11 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos has been activated from injured reserve, as announced by the team. Meanwhile, punter Mitch Wishnowsky and cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. have both been placed on IR, with punter Pat O’Donnell promoted from the practice squad to take Wishnowsky’s spot.
Wishnowsky has been dealing with a back injury that first surfaced during training camp and caused him to miss the preseason. He will now be sidelined for at least four weeks. O’Donnell’s promotion to the active roster this week signals that Wishnowsky will be out for an extended period.
Gross-Matos’ return could be an important development for the 49ers’ defensive line, particularly their edge-rushing rotation, which has struggled this season. He had attempted to play through a knee injury sustained in training camp but was eventually placed on IR. In the three games he played before his injury, Gross-Matos recorded just one tackle, one quarterback hit, and five pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. When healthy, Gross-Matos is expected to contribute as a defensive end capable of rushing the passer from the interior. His return could help mitigate the lack of moves made to improve the defensive line at the trade deadline. Sunday’s game will be his first action since the 49ers’ Week 4 victory over the New England Patriots.
Additionally, the team elevated cornerback Nick McCloud from the practice squad on a standard promotion. McCloud, a key special teams contributor, will replace Luter, who will miss at least the next four weeks due to a pelvis injury sustained ahead of Week 11.
Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson was also brought up from the practice squad to provide added depth in the secondary, where the 49ers already have Ji’Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha, and George Odum on the roster.
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