49ers activate Greenlaw off PUP list for season start against Rams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — Linebacker Dre Greenlaw finished the long journey to return to the 49ers’ 53-man roster.
The 49ers activated Greenlaw on Thursday off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list be available to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.
The 49ers placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch on injured reserve with a sprained ankle to create room for Greenlaw.
The 49ers also elevated running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn from the practice squad. He will dress and play a reserve role in the 49ers’ game against the Rams.
The 49ers (6-7) are clinging to slim playoff hopes with four games remaining in the regular season. The Rams (7-6) enter the week just one game behind the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks in the standings.
The game will mark the return of Greenlaw, who suffered a torn left Achilles tendon as he began running down the field in the first quarter of the Super Bowl on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.
Greenlaw underwent surgery the following week and was placed on the reserve/PUP list at the start of the regular season.
The 49ers opened the practice window for Greenlaw on November 27. He was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and could be back in the team’s starting lineup.
Greenlaw is a sixth-year NFL veteran who appeared in 62 regular season games with 54 starts. Over the previous two seasons, Greenlaw and Fred Warner formed one of the best linebacker tandems in the NFL.
Greenlaw is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Vaughn was elevated from the practice squad for the second straight game after running backs Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) were placed on injured reserve last week.
Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo is listed as questionable, but is expected to play after suffering a foot sprain in the 49ers’ 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Guerendo totaled 78 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while catching two passes for 50 yards.
Patrick Taylor Jr. is the next back behind Guerendo, although receiver Deebo Samuel is likely to see action as a ball carrier as well.
The 49ers claimed second-year player Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets last week. He was one of the 49ers’ inactive players for the game against the Bears.
