SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers welcomed back two pivotal figures on their defense as linebacker Dre Greenlaw made his return after recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon sustained during last season’s Super Bowl, and defensive end Nick Bosa rejoined the lineup following a three-game absence due to hip and oblique injuries.
Greenlaw had been participating in practice for several weeks and was activated from the physically unable to perform list just before the matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. To create space on the roster, the 49ers placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.
Both Bosa and running back Isaac Guerendo were included in the active roster after being deemed questionable prior to the game. Guerendo had to exit the previous week’s victory against Chicago with a sprained foot.
Prior to his injury, Greenlaw was regarded as one of the emotional cornerstones of San Francisco’s defensive unit. His unfortunate injury occurred in the Super Bowl’s first half against Kansas City, as he fell to the ground while attempting to hit the field, later being carted off with a visible leg injury.
Drafted in the fifth round in 2019, Greenlaw became a vital component of the 49ers’ defense in the 2022 season. He has a remarkable record of 30 starts over the past two years, with his performance highlighting 247 tackles, eight tackles for loss, ten passes defensed, and three takeaways.
The absence of his aggressive style and physical presence has been significantly felt by the 49ers this season, particularly in their battle against opposing rush offenses.
In preparation for the matchup, both the Rams and 49ers elevated additional players from their practice squads, with Los Angeles bringing in defensive back Charles Woods and San Francisco promoting running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
The 49ers’ inactive roster included left tackle Trent Williams (ankle), safety Malik Mustapha (chest and shoulder), running back Israel Abanikanda, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, and defensive tackle Khalil Davis. Additionally, Joshua Dobbs was designated as the emergency third quarterback.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was activated for the Rams, marking his first game since being claimed off waivers from Washington. On the other hand, Los Angeles had cornerback Cobie Durant (chest), running back Cody Schrader, linebacker Brennan Jackson, and offensive linemen Dylan McMahon and Warren McClendon Jr. as inactive. Stetson Bennett was stationed as the emergency third quarterback for the Rams.