49ers activate Hufanga off IR, demote Bosa against Bears originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Security Talanoa Hufanga is expected to return to action on Sunday for the first time since injuring his wrist two months ago.
The 49ers activated Hufanga from injured reserve on a busy day for roster changes as the team prepares to take on the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium in Week 14.
Hufanga, in the final year of his original four-year contract with the 49ers, has played in just two games this season. He missed the first two games of the season while recovered from ACL tear which ended its 2023 season.
To make room for Hufanga on the 53-man roster, the 49ers placed running back Jordan Mason and safety George Odum on injured reserve.
Mason suffered a sprained ankle during the 49ers’ 35-10 loss last week to the Buffalo Bills. Odum suffered a knee injury during the week and will finish the season on the injured reserve list.
The 49ers also promoted backup offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to the 53-man practice squad roster.
Gutierrez will be the 49ers’ eighth offensive lineman against the Bears, as the club demoted guard Aaron Banks. He will miss his second straight game with a concussion. The 49ers initially listed Banks as questionable Friday.
The 49ers also demoted defensive end Nick Bosa. He was listed as questionable. Bosa will miss his third straight game with hip and oblique injuries.
The 49ers signed running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn and linebacker Jalen Graham from the practice squad. Vaughn is expected to face new running back Israel Abanikanda, who the 49ers claimed off waivers from the New York Jets.
Abanikanda was a fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2023. He played in six games as a rookie, but did not appear in any of the Jets’ games this season before being waived.
The 49ers also declared left tackle Trent Willams (ankle) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) out for Sunday’s game on Friday.
Greenlaw remains on the physically unable to perform list due to the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in the Super Bowl. The 49ers plan to activate Greenlaw for the 49ers’ Week 15 game Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams.
