49ers add Okuayinonu to active roster, place Hargrave and Robinson on IR originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu is back on the 49ers’ active roster after initially increase to 53 players at the end of training camp.
The 49ers promoted Okuayinonu on Saturday while placing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker Curtis Robinson on injured reserve.
The 49ers also elevated two undrafted rookies to the practice squad: defensive tackle Evan Anderson and safety Jaylen Mahoney. Both players will return to the practice squad on Monday.
Okuayinonu, Anderson and Mahoney are expected to suit up Sunday when the 49ers take on the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Anderson and Mahoney are set to make their NFL regular season debuts.
Okuayinonu has appeared in two games this season. He has three tackles and a sack. He had a spot on the 49ers’ initial 53-man roster but was given up a day later in a series of movements.
Anderson (6-foot-3, 326 pounds) played in 39 games during his four-year career at Florida Atlantic. In his final college season, Anderson appeared in 12 games and had 57 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Anderson brings depth at defensive tackle with Hargrave absent and presumed starter Jordan Elliott is listed as questionable due to a foot injury.
Mahoney (5-11, 200) played in 54 games with 45 starts in five seasons at Vanderbilt. During his senior year, he started all 11 games and recorded 59 tackles and a team-high six passes defended. He was team captain.
The 49ers released veteran Tracy Walker III from the practice squad this week in an apparent vote of confidence in Mahoney’s willingness to play.
Starting security Talanoa Hufanga is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury. If Hufanga is unable to play, the 49ers would look to Malik Mustapha or George Odum to replace him in the starting lineup.
The 49ers made a roster change Saturday, with Hargrave and Robinson expected to be out for the season.
Hargrave suffered a torn triceps during the 49ers’ Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Kyle Shanahan said there was an outside chance Hargrave could return if the 49ers made a deep run in the NFL playoffs.
Robinson suffered an ACL tear at the start of practice Thursday. He is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery.
