Follow along with live updates from tonight’s game at the bottom of this story…
Linebacker Eric Kendricks will make his 49ers debut Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts, as will Jordan James, a fifth-round draft pick out of Oregon who has been inactive 14 times.
With Tatum Bethune having recovered from a high ankle sprain, that left linebacker Curtis Robinson on the inactive list. Robinson started the last three games in Bethune’s place.
Also inactive for the 49ers were wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr., defensive tackle Kevin Givens, running back Isaac Guerendo, defensive end Robert Beal and cornerbacks Renardo Green and Chase Lucas.
Also active for the third time this season is wide receiver Jordan Watkins, a fourth-round draft pick out of Mississippi.
Game day roster adjustments for the 49ers included bringing defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos off injured reserve, with Kendricks and cornerback Eli Apple as standard practice squad elevations.
Gross-Matos has been sidelined with a hamstring strain and has fought injuries during his two-year tenure with the 49ers, missing 15 of 31 games. With Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) taken off the injured list, the 49ers will have more depth on the defensive line than they have had during their four-game win streak.
Also back is defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, who was a pregame scratch against Tennessee.
It will be the 49ers debut for Kendricks, a veteran who led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles last season but was initially slowed by a calf strain. He didn’t initially sign as a free agent, waiting for an opportunity to play with a team that had playoff possibilities. He has played in 147 games with 142 starts.
Kendricks can play all three linebacker positions and has made a big impression on Bethune, who is expected back in the starting lineup after missing three games with a high ankle sprain.
“I tell Kendricks I used to play him on Madden, him and Harrison Smith,” Bethune said Saturday. “He’s been a great help especially with Fred (Warner) being out of the room and rehabbing. He’ll come to us with little things that sees, like tight ends, how they get in their stance. I’m just glad he’s here.”
It will be the second time Apple has been a practice squad elevation this season. He played against Jacksonville on Sept. 28 but didn’t play defense, getting three snaps on special teams. Apple is a 10-year veteran with 103 games and 82 starts for the Giants, Saints, Panthers, Bengals and Dolphins before joining the 49ers.
With Green (neck) out, Apple could be in line to see some time at corner along with starters Deommodore Lenoir and Darrell Luter Jr. with rookie Upton Stout in the slot. It was the first time this season Lucas has been inactive as a cornerback and core special teams player.
James assumes the game day spot of Guerendo, who has been active for all 14 games but has yet to carry the ball from scrimmage after gaining 420 yards as a rookie last season.
Inactives for the Colts are cornerback Sauce Gardner, linebacker Jaylon Charles, running back D.J. Giddens, wide receiver Anthony Gould, safety Reuben Lowery III, tight end Will Mallory and tackle Bernhard Raimann.
PURDY’S AT IT AGAIN
After gifting offensive line teammates Toyota SUVs a year ago at Christmas time, Purdy and his wife Jenna teamed with Toyota to give SUVs and other gifts to military veterans and families in need, including those with pediatric cancer.
Included in the gift bag for each family were a football, a new “rivalry” jersey the club will wear in its final against Seattle, as well as game tickets to the Seahawks game. Then they were led outside to see Toyota SUVs with red bows on each one.
JUICE IS NO. 1
Kyle Juszczyk is in line for his 10th Pro Bowl selection after winning the fan vote at fullback. He was the only 49ers player to lead his position. Players are selected on the basis of fan vote, coaches’ vote and players’ vote, with each counting one-third.
Rosters will be announced Tuesday.
Voting totals were not released by the NFL, only a list of the leaders at each position. The Pro Bowl Games now include a flag football game on Feb. 3, this time at Moscone Center with the Bay Area being home base for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers, of course, would rather be practicing to play in the Super Bowl eight days later.
Other 49ers who were among the top 10 at their position in fan voting were running back Christian McCaffrey (No. 4 at running back), Trent Williams (No. 5 at tackle), George Kittle (No. 5 at tight end), Skyy Moore (No. 6 at return specialist), Eddy Piñeiro (No. 8 at place kicker) and Luke Gifford (No. 8 at special teams).
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