The 49ers on Saturday elevated defensive end Trevis Gipson and offensive lineman Nick Zakelj from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
The 49ers also downgraded backup offensive lineman Spencer Burford to out. Burford remains on the injured reserve list after returning to practice this week as he aims to come back from a Week 2 knee injury.
Gipson will suit up for the Week 8 game at NRG Stadium. He is expected to see significant playing time as a rotational player on the defensive line. Gipson has played in three games this season. He has one tackle and a fumble recovery.
Zakelj will serve as a backup at guard and center. Matt Hennessy will start at center in place of Jake Brendel, who is expected to miss at least two games with a hamstring injury.
On Friday, the 49ers also ruled out the following players due to injuries: quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee), and defensive ends Bryce Huff (hamstring) and Yetur Gross-Matos (knee, hamstring).
Rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins could be in line to make his NFL debut as the team’s fifth receiver. Watkins was a fourth-round 2025 NFL Draft pick from Ole Miss.
The 49ers’ top three receivers for Sunday’s game figure to be Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne and DeMarcus Robinson. Skyy Moore is the 49ers’ return specialist.
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