49ers activate Greenlaw off PUP list for season debut vs. Rams

SANTA CLARA — Linebacker Dre Greenlaw has completed the long journey to get back to the 49ers' 53-man roster. The 49ers on Thursday activated Greenlaw off the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list to be available to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain to create the roster spot for Greenlaw. The 49ers also elevated running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn from the practice squad. He will suit up and serve in a reserve role in the 49ers' game against the Rams. The 49ers (6-7) are clinging onto slim playoff hopes with four games remaining in the regular season. The Rams (7-6) enter the week just one game behind the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks in the standings. The game will mark the return of Greenlaw, who sustained a torn left Achilles as he began to run onto the field in the first quarter of the Super Bowl on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas. Greenlaw underwent surgery the following week and was placed on the reserve/PUP list at the beginning of the regular season. The 49ers opened the practice window for Greenlaw on Nov. 27. He was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's...