The San Francisco 49ers on Thursday made Dre Greenlaw’s return official when they activated him off the PUP list.
Greenlaw has been on the PUP list since training camp began while recovering from an Achilles tear he suffered in the Super Bowl. After a full practice participation Wednesday, Greenlaw was officially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Thursday morning reported Greenlaw would be eased into action, intimating he won’t immediately take over his every-down role as the Will LB alongside Fred Warner. That spot has been held by veteran DeVondre Campbell all season. Greenlaw could take on the Sam LB role where he primarily plays in run situations. Dee Winters has taken that job for most of the season.
In a corresponding move, the 49ers placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch on IR after he sustained a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears. That opened a roster spot for Greenlaw. Bartch performed well in place of starting left guard Aaron Banks who missed two games with a concussion. Spencer Burford will now slide up to the backup LG spot.
Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn was also elevated from the practice squad for a second consecutive week. He could be the backup to RB Patrick Taylor if Isaac Guerendo can’t play because of his foot sprain. Guerendo is officially questionable.
