The San Francisco 49ers welcomed back two important defensive players: linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is playing his first game since tearing his left Achilles tendon in last season’s Super Bowl, and defensive end Nick Bosa, who missed three games due to injuries to his hip and oblique.
Greenlaw had been practicing for the past few weeks and was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday to play against the Los Angeles Rams. To make space on the roster, San Francisco placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch on injured reserve because of an ankle injury.
Bosa and running back Isaac Guerendo, who had been listed as questionable, were both active for the game. Guerendo had left Sunday’s win over Chicago with a sprained foot.
Greenlaw was one of the emotional leaders for San Francisco’s defense before his injury in the Super Bowl loss to Kansas City. During the first half of the game, Greenlaw was jumping on the sideline, and as he tried to run onto the field with some teammates, he collapsed, holding his left leg. He was then helped off the field by a cart.
Greenlaw was drafted in the fifth round in 2019 and became an important part of the defense in 2022. Over the last two seasons, he started 30 games, recording 247 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, and three takeaways.
The 49ers have missed Greenlaw’s intensity and physical style of play, particularly against the run, this season.
Both the Rams and the 49ers promoted players from their practice squads for the game. Los Angeles added defensive back Charles Woods, while San Francisco promoted running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
The inactive players for the 49ers included left tackle Trent Williams (ankle), safety Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder), running back Israel Abanikanda, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, and defensive tackle Khalil Davis. Joshua Dobbs was listed as the emergency third quarterback.
Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was active for the Rams for the first time since being claimed off waivers from Washington. The Rams’ inactive players were cornerback Cobie Durant (chest), running back Cody Schrader, linebacker Brennan Jackson, and offensive linemen Dylan McMahon and Warren McClendon Jr. Stetson Bennett was the emergency third quarterback for the Rams.
