49ers reportedly expected to sign defensive end Clelin Ferrell to practice squad originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

A familiar face reportedly is on his way back to the 49ers.

San Francisco is expected to sign defensive end Clelin Ferrell to its practice squad, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported Tuesday, citing sources. Ferrell, a sixth-year NFL veteran, played for the 49ers during the 2023 season.

Ferrell was one of three defensive linemen to work out for the 49ers on Tuesday, KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson reported, citing a league source. Also at the tryout were Kingsley Jonathan and Andrew Farmer.

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But Ferrell apparently was a natural fit for San Francisco, considering he already knows the system. In 2023, the 28-year-old former first-round 2019 NFL Draft pick started all 17 regular-season games for San Francisco and recorded 3.5 sacks with 28 total tackles (15 solo), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

In the 49ers’ regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, Ferrell sustained a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve and sidelined him for San Francisco’s NFL playoff run, which ended with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

Ferrell played four seasons with the then-Oakland Raiders after they drafted him, starting 15 and 11 games in each of his first two campaigns, respectively, before combining to start just four games over the last two seasons in Las Vegas. While his Raiders tenure widely was considered a disappointment, he served a key role in helping the 49ers return to the Super Bowl at his next stop.

In 2024, Ferrell appeared in 14 games and started 10 for the Washington Commanders, recording 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and 26 tackles. He re-signed with them this offseason but failed to make the final roster, then was released from the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad earlier this month.

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As the 49ers deal with a handful of injuries along their defensive line, Ferrell will provide some much-needed depth. San Francisco also traded for defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots on Tuesday, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported, citing sources.

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