In a bold and unexpected roster shake-up, the San Francisco 49ers are dipping back into their practice squad depths for the second straight week, activating linebacker Jalen Graham and kicker Matt Gay ahead of their crucial matchup against the Cleveland Browns. This move comes as the team grapples with key injuries, including the continued absence of starting linebacker Tatum Bethune, forcing the Niners to unearth potential hidden gems to bolster their lineup. Fans are buzzing about whether this “raid” could spark a defensive turnaround or expose vulnerabilities in a season already marked by highs and lows.
The activations were announced on Saturday, just a day before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. With Bethune sidelined again due to injury, and kicker Eddy Piñeiro also out, the 49ers had little choice but to elevate reinforcements from the practice squad. This isn’t the first time this week—both Graham and Gay saw action in Monday’s gritty 20-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers, proving their worth in limited roles.
Jalen Graham, a promising young linebacker often overlooked in the depth chart, is being hailed as a potential “hidden gem” by insiders. In his appearance against the Panthers, Graham logged 35 percent of the special teams snaps, showcasing his athleticism and versatility. While his stat line this season remains modest—appearing in just one game with no recorded tackles—his elevation signals confidence from the coaching staff that he can contribute meaningfully, especially on special teams where the team needs reliable bodies.
On the kicking front, Matt Gay stepped up admirably last week, nailing a pair of field goals and extra points in the win over Carolina. His steady performance provides a safety net amid Piñeiro’s absence, ensuring the 49ers’ special teams unit doesn’t skip a beat in what could be a low-scoring affair against the Browns’ stout defense.
The injuries don’t stop at linebacker and kicker. Defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu is also ruled out for Sunday’s game, which could mean increased snaps for veteran Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell saw a bump in reps last weekend and might be called upon to anchor the line against Cleveland’s rushing attack. On the flip side, with Bethune out, Curtis Robinson is poised for another start. Robinson dominated last week, playing 100 percent of the defensive snaps against Carolina, though it came at the cost of his special teams contributions—hence the need to bring up Graham to fill that gap.
The Browns aren’t without their own woes. They’re missing a pair of defensive linemen, Adin Huntington and Alex Wright, and have elevated defensive end Sam Kamara from their practice squad to compensate. This mutual depletion on the defensive fronts could lead to an intriguing battle in the trenches, where both teams will test their depth.
As the 49ers (currently sitting with a strong record in the NFC West) look to build momentum, this practice squad raid underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL season. Will Graham emerge as a breakout star, or will the injuries prove too much to overcome? All eyes will be on Cleveland for answers.
Tune in to CBS at 1:00 p.m. ET to catch the action live. Go Niners!