On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's snowy game in Buffalo against the Bills:
- Promoted CB Nick McCloud to the active roster from the team's practice squad
- Elevated LB Jalen Graham from the practice squad (standard elevation)
- Elevated OL Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad (standard elevation)
McCloud, formerly of the New York Giants, is taking the roster spot of WR Ronnie Bell, who was released this week. Bell had an up-and-down rookie season in 2023. His biggest play this season came in the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams, when he dropped a pass that likely would have given the 49ers the win. In nine games in 2024, Bell had only two catches for 22 yards.
McCloud will mostly be used on special teams, but with CB Deommodore Lenoir out for Sunday's game, and CB Renardo Green questionable, the 49ers may need extra bodies at cornerback. Additionally, CB Charvarius Ward is returning to action after missing a few games following the death of his daughter.
Graham is being elevated for the second time this season. Last week, in Green Bay, he recorded one tackle. In October, the 49ers claimed Graham from the Commanders' practice squad. San Francisco waived Graham in early November but re-signed him to their practice squad. LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills, and rookie Tatum Bethune is on IR (injured reserve), making the team's depth thin at linebacker.
Gutierrez is being elevated for the first time in 2024. With LT Trent Williams already declared out for the game against the Bills, the 6'6, 308 lb. tackle may be needed on Sunday. LG Aaron Banks has also been downgraded to out for the game in Buffalo. Gutierrez has appeared in one game in his NFL career, playing two special teams snaps in 2022.
The 49ers (5-6) look to stop a two-game skid. However, doing so will be a difficult task against QB Josh Allen and a talented Bills team. The weather won't help much either, as the Buffalo area is being hit with a large winter storm.