On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
- Promoted DL Sebastian Valdez from the practice squad to the active roster
- Waived DL Viliami Fehoko, Jr.
- Elevated WR Malik Turner from the team's practice squad (standard elevation)
- Elevated DL Matthew Judon from the practice squad (standard elevation)
Valdez, a 6-foot-3, 301-pound defensive lineman, has already appeared in one game this season, playing 32 defensive snaps in last week's win over Arizona. He recorded three tackles in that game, including one solo stop. Last Sunday's game against the Cardinals was Valdez's NFL debut.
Fehoko, a fourth-round pick by Dallas in 2023, spent time on the 49ers' practice squad earlier this season before being promoted to the active roster. He appeared in one game, playing 13 defensive snaps against Arizona. The 6-foot-4, 267-pound defensive lineman had been promoted to San Francisco's active roster just days before being promoted for that game. Waiving Fehoko makes room for Valdez on the active roster.
Judon signed with the 49ers on Monday after more injuries left the team short-handed along the defensive line. He brings a significant amount of NFL experience, having played 145 regular-season games with 100 starts over a 10-year career. He has recorded 72 sacks, 423 tackles, nine forced fumbles and one interception, while earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019 through 2022.
Judon's best season came in 2022 with the New England Patriots, when he posted a career-high 15.5 sacks and 60 tackles. He has also played for the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. His production dropped off considerably in 2025, however, as he finished the season with 14 appearances and no sacks after splitting time between Miami and Buffalo. His familiarity with San Francisco defensive coordinator Raheem Morris from their time together in Atlanta could help him get up to speed quickly. With Nick Bosa ruled out and Keion White dealing with a hamstring injury, Judon could be asked to provide some experienced pass-rush help against Denver.
Turner, who signed with the 49ers on Thursday, is no stranger in San Francisco. The 30-year-old has spent parts of three seasons with the 49ers and has appeared in 47 NFL games during his career, catching 29 passes for 414 yards and four touchdowns. But Turner's value has been on special teams. He was elevated by the 49ers multiple times during the 2022 and 2025 seasons and again for the San Francisco's playoff game last season against Philadelphia. With KhaDarel Hodge being released due to an injury, Turner will be needed on special teams. He also gives the 49ers another veteran option on offense.
Fred Warner fined twice
In other news from Saturday, the NFL announced that Fred Warner was fined twice for unnecessary roughness. He was fined $23,882 for use of his helmet and $17,911 for a hip-drop tackle.
More info on: Nick Bosa, Viliami Fehoko, Matthew Judon, Malik Turner, Sebastian Valdez, Fred Warner, Keion White
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