SANTA CLARA — The 49ers brought in a familiar face as reinforcements for their depleted defensive line in Clelin Ferrell, who spent the 2023 NFL season with the team. 

“For me, when first came here, it felt like home,” Ferrell said. “There are a lot of new people in the house, but the cook is still the same, so it feels good.” 

The edge rusher officially was signed to San Francisco’s practice squad Wednesday after spending part of the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, before being released on Oct. 15. 

Ferrell appeared in the Chargers’ Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders, and was on the field for 17 defensive plays and eight on special teams. He recorded one quarterback pressure — a hurry — and one assisted tackle. 

Now Ferrell is ready not only to help with production on the 49ers’ defensive line, but to be a resource for the young members of the group. The veteran pass rusher already was seen on the practice field talking to first-round 2025 NFL Draft pick Mykel Williams on Wednesday.

“That’s one of the reasons that, God willing, I was brought in here,” Ferrell said. “Just to shed a light on any of the young guys. But it’s a long season, especially how we do things here. It’s a very physical team — try to be. So it’s not so much the accumulation of the year, it’s about mentally staying in it, keep going at it every single week.” 

Ferrell understands exactly what defensive line coach Kris Kocurek wants his group to do after playing 471 snaps for him in 2023 and 59 on special teams. Ferrell recorded 30 total quarterback pressures in that season, including 3.5 sacks, 28 tackles (15 solo) and 13 quarterback hits. 

“[Kocurek] always puts you in the best possible position to win, and he’s really big on speaking life into people,” Ferrell said of his position coach. “Being ready for the moment. There are so many guys who get put in position. Really just instilling confidence in players. I think that’s why guys have had success even when they leave here.”  

Coach Kyle Shanahan hopes Ferrell will be able to contribute quickly in the wake of injuries to Nick Bosa, Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos. The group also was missing Alfred Collins (shoulder) and Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) on Wednesday, while Jordan Elliott was limited with an ankle injury. 

“I love the chance to get Cle back,” Shanahan said. “Having a guy like that being available, we’ll see him out there today when we go, but we loved having Cle here back in ‘23 and glad he got back here last night.”

With only one game played this season, Ferrell is coming to Santa Clara with fresh legs, ready for whatever the team needs from him. 

“I feel good,” Ferrell said. “I feel like I’m trying to play some of my best ball. Just thankful for the opportunity. It’s amazing. Even just guys like seeing Nick in here or Kevin Givens, it’s really comfortable for me.”

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