The San Francisco 49ers have elevated linebacker Jalen Graham and wide receiver Malik Turner from their practice squad in preparation for their NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
As the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, the 49ers are facing significant roster challenges, particularly at linebacker. Starter Dee Winters and teammate Luke Gifford are both listed as questionable after missing practice on Friday. The 49ers have also been impacted by injuries, losing starting linebacker Tatum Bethune and Fred Warner, who suffered a broken and dislocated ankle on October 12.
Graham, a seventh-round draft choice from Purdue in 2023, has seen action in two games this season against Carolina and Cleveland, contributing on special teams with 21 snaps and two defensive plays.
Turner, on the other hand, will be active for the third time this season, previously participating in victories over Arizona, the Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta in weeks 3, 5, and 7, respectively. He registered three solo tackles during a 20-10 win against Atlanta.
The 49ers have additional injury concerns, with left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. also listed as questionable. If defensive back Renardo Green cannot play, Darrell Luter Jr. is expected to step in as a starter.
In terms of roster adjustments, Eric Kendricks, who was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, is anticipated to serve as the defensive signal caller, wearing the green dot to relay instructions from defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Should the 49ers emerge victorious, receiver Cowing will be eligible to practice next week after a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury.
