Wave of 49ers’ defensive backs come off COVID list for Sunday’s stakes at Rams
Defensive backs Emmanuel Moseley, Jimmie Ward and K'Waun Williams are among the 49ers activated Saturday for their regular-season finale at the Los Angeles Rams.
A quartet of 49ers defensive backs are cleared to play for a playoff berth in Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Rams.
Free safety Jimmie Ward, along with cornerbacks K’Waun Williams and Dontae Johnson, got activated off the COVID reserve list, having fulfilled the NFL’s minimum, five-day protocol.
Perhaps an even bigger boost is the 49ers activating cornerback Emmanuel Moseley off injured reserve. He’s missed the past four games after sustaining an ankle injury early in a December loss at Seattle.
One move the 49ers did not make Saturday: they kept backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld on the practice squad, meaning that Jimmy Garoppolo is available to play and perhaps start ahead of rookie Trey Lance, who led the 49ers to a second-half comeback win last Sunday against Houston.
The 49ers (9-7) need to beat the NFC West-leading Rams (12-4) to secure a NFC wild-card playoff berth, otherwise they’ll need to get that via a loss by the New Orleans Saints (8-8) at the Atlanta Falcons (7-9). A Rams’ win would give them the division title and the NFC’s No. 2 seed behind the Green Bay Packers.
Moseley and Norman served as the 49ers’ starting cornerbacks for nine games this season, and that likely will be the pairing against the Rams, although Norman got benched last game after drawing his team-high 10th penalty (sixth for pass interference) this season.
Rookie Ambry Thomas, who started the past four games in place of Moseley, got cleared off the COVID list on Thursday, apparently after testing negative twice this week.
Getting back Williams, their heralded nickel back, and Ward is critical for the upcoming matchup with NFL receiving leader Cooper Kupp.
Recently signed cornerback Darqueze Denard will also be available, having been called up from the practice squad, along with linebackers Mark Nzeocha and Curtis Robinson.
Robinson was elevated as a COVID replacement, meaning the 49ers do not expect rookie cornerback Deommodore Lenoir to get clearance after going on the list only Wednesday.
Not activated off injured reserve after practicing this week were wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, safety Tavon Wilson and running back Trey Sermon, the latter of whom must come off IR by Tuesday to play if the 49ers make the playoffs.