The 49ers on Saturday activated a trio of players off injured lists. Tight end George Kittle and kicker Robbie Gould were both taken off injured reserve. Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. was activated off the physically unable to perform list, and defensive lineman Dee Ford went on IR.
Kittle was dealing with a calf injury early in the year that eventually required him to go on IR in Week 5. His receiving numbers were subpar by his astronomically high standards through four games, and a fully healthy Kittle figures to start seeing an uptick in productivity in the passing game. In four games this year he has 19 catches for 227 yards and no touchdowns.
Gould hurt his groin in pregame warm ups ahead of the 49ers’ Week 4 matchup with the Seahawks. Joey Slye did fine in Gould’s stead, but having a reliable veteran will help San Francisco down the stretch in tight games with possible playoff implications. Slye was released early in the week, setting the table for Gould’s return.
Wilson was a question mark when his practice window was opened to start the week. He hasn’t played since Week 17 of last year after a torn meniscus in May knocked him out of all on-field preseason work. It sounded like he would need a couple weeks of practices, but his recovery went better than anticipated and a strong week of work in the lead up to Week 9 set the table for Wilson to return. He could see a sizable workload right away if rookie RB Elijah Mitchell (ribs) is out. Mitchell was listed as ‘questionable’ on Friday’s injury report.
In a corresponding move to these additions, the 49ers waived defensive lineman Zach Kerr.
Ford was also placed on IR with a back injury that cropped up in practice. He was a full participant Wednesday, and then limited Thursday and Friday. His absence makes the trade for Charles Omenihu more vital for the 49ers who need depth on the edge. Ford will be required to miss at least three games. In six games this season Ford has 3.0 sacks which ranks second on the team.
The 49ers also brought up linebacker Tyrell Adams and safety Tony Jefferson. Jefferson will provide additional safety depth with starting safeties Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt both sidelined by injury.
[lawrence-related id=671743]