49ers LB Dre Greenlaw was officially activated for tonight’s game against the Rams
As expected, the San Francisco 49ers officially activated linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list to the active roster. Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn was elevated from the team’s practice squad, while backup offensive lineman Ben Bartch was officially placed on the Injured Reserve.
Monitoring Greenlaw’s snap counts and usage will be fascinating. You want to ease him back in, but it’s one of your tone-setters in a divisional, must-win game.
The same is true for Nick Bosa. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Bosa, who is still officially questionable, will likely play tonight. The 49ers will test Bosa pre-game to make sure he’s healthy enough, per Schefter, but Bosa is expected to return after missing the previous three games.
Bosa and Greenlaw have been two of the 49ers’ best players, especially against the run, so getting both on the field would be a big boost. It would also go a long way in putting the Rams in third-and-long situations.
As Jason pointed out earlier, Stafford struggles when pressured. The best way to get Los Angeles in obvious passing downs is by winning on early downs.
It’s a shame the 49ers won’t have Bartch for the remainder of the season. He took full advantage of his opportunity and likely would have remained the starter had he stayed healthy.