Undrafted rookie defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez is in line to make his NFL debut against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
The 49ers on Saturday elevated Valdez and veteran defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell from the practice squad to suit up for the key NFC West game at Levi’s Stadium.
The 49ers (6-3) are a half-game behind the Rams and Seattle Seahawks, both 6-2, in the division.
The 49ers also activated offensive lineman Ben Bartch from injured reserve and placed defensive lineman Mykel Williams on season-ending injured reserve.
Williams sustained a torn ACL in his right knee late in the 49ers’ Week 9 victory over the New York Giants.
The 49ers made the moves to bring up Valdez and Ferrell from the practice squad for the game, with three of their defensive linemen listed as questionable against the Rams due to injuries.
Defensive linemen Alfred Collins (hip), Keion White (groin) and Kalia Davis (ankle) sustained injuries in practice this week to place their status for Sunday’s game in question.
Valdez had an impressive training camp after signing with the 49ers as an undrafted rookie from Washington. He did not make the team’s 53-man roster to open the season, but he landed a spot on the team’s 16-player practice squad.
Ferrell signed with the 49ers last week and ended up in uniform against the Giants just four days later. Ferrell played 18 snaps in his first game back with the 49ers and registered a sack and three tackles.
Bartch returns to action for the 49ers after sustaining a high ankle sprain in the second game of the season. He started the first two games at left guard.
While Bartch was out of action, rookie Connor Colby started six games. Spencer Burford replaced Colby in the starting lineup last week.
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