The San Francisco 49ers announced a handful of moves ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Tight end Ross Dwelley was placed on the Injured Reserve List. That means Dwelley must miss at least four games, ending his 2023 season.
Rookie tight end Brayden Willis has filled Dwelley’s shoes in his absence. Willis played 19 special
teams snaps against the Washington Commanders in Week 17. We will see if the 49ers trust their 7th-round rookie tight end covering kicks in the playoffs.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was downgraded to out as he has yet to clear the concussion protocol. This will be the third consecutive game that Jennings will miss. Danny Gray was also downgraded to out.
The good news is the Niners activated Ray-Ray McCloud from the Injured Reserve List. We can probably expect McCloud to receive a couple of carries on Sunday and play the Deebo role. Most importantly, the 49ers get their returner back. McCloud has proven to be sure-handed and can flip the field when the ball is in his hands.
Kyle Juszczyk has a new injury designation. He’s listed with an “illness.” Juszczyk receives roughly a $23,500 bonus for every game that he’s active this year.
The team activated safety Tayler Hawkins and running back Jeremy McNichols from the practice squad.
Depth at safety could be troublesome on Sunday. Hawkins and veteran Logan Ryan are the only healthy players at the position. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is on record saying cornerbacks Isaiah Oliver and Samuel Womack are capable of playing safety if needed.
The 49ers made several moves on Saturday, including one that brought Ray-Ray McCloud back to the active roster.
McCloud was activated off of injured reserve and his presence will be welcome because the team ruled Danny Gray and Jauan Jennings out for Sunday’s game against the Rams. They also placed tight end Ross Dwelley on injured reserve, downgraded fullback Kyle Jusczyk to questionable with an illness and elevated safety Tayler Hawkins and running back Jeremy McNichols.
McCloud has been out with injured ribs and last played in Week 12. He had nine catches for 113 yards and two carries for 23 yards in the first 11 games of the season. He also averaged 22.5 yards on kickoff returns and 8.5 yards on punt returns.
The 49ers will have a bye in the first week of the playoffs regardless of Sunday’s result and several key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey, will not be playing Sunday.
