The 49ers also activated two players from the practice squad
The San Francisco 49ers announced a few transactions ahead of their Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions. Left guard Aaron Banks was officially placed in the injured reserve. We might’ve seen the last of Banks in a 49ers uniform, as he’s an unrestricted free agent.
Rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune was activated from the Injured Reserve List. Bethune practiced in full all week and will likely serve as the third linebacker against Detroit. With only two games remaining, it’s wise to get Bethune as many reps as possible, especially against a team as quality as the Lions and next week versus a divisional opponent.
Edge rusher Alex Barrett and offensive lineman Drake Nugent were activated from the practice squad.
Nugent has not stepped on the field during his rookie season. Presumably, he’ll be the swing backup offensive lineman unless the team sees enough from Nugent to start him as left guard in place of Banks.
Barrett played 26 snaps at Miami last week, with 22 coming on various special teams units. Detroit signed Barrett as an undrafted free agent back in 2017.