The San Francisco 49ers promoted defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday, one day before hosting the Denver Broncos.
The club also elevated defensive end Matthew Judon and wide receiver Malik Turner from the practice squad so both can play Sunday. San Francisco waived defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko Jr. to open the active-roster spot.
Valdez made his NFL debut last week in the 49ers’ 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He logged 32 snaps and recorded three tackles as part of a nine-player defensive line rotation that was missing several regulars.
That outing earned him the promotion. San Francisco entered the week short on interior options after injuries continued to thin the group.
Nick Bosa remains out with knee and calf issues, and James Thompson Jr. is also out with an ankle injury. Keion White is listed as questionable with a hamstring problem and was limited in Friday’s practice.
The 49ers’ defensive front has absorbed multiple absences already this season. Valdez gives the rotation another body who has seen live snaps in the last seven days.
Fehoko also appeared in the Cardinals game, playing 13 snaps in the same expanded defensive line group. His release cleared the necessary roster space after Valdez’s elevation.
Judon, signed to the practice squad earlier in the week, practiced throughout the preparation period and will make his debut with the club. The 34-year-old is in his 11th NFL season and owns 72 career sacks across 145 games.
He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. His addition supplies experienced edge depth while Bosa sits out.
Turner was elevated as well, providing receiver insurance. Mike Evans is questionable with a rib injury and was limited Friday after missing earlier sessions.
Turner is expected to contribute on special teams coverage units in addition to any offensive snaps he receives. The 49ers have dealt with several wide receiver absences already this year.
Rookie edge rusher Romello Height returns after missing one game. He underwent surgery to repair a broken hand and was limited in Friday’s practice.
With Bosa unavailable, Height is positioned for a larger role. Khalid Kareem and Ogbo Okoronkwo remain the other primary edge options on the active roster.
The 49ers enter the contest at 3-0 and will play at Levi’s Stadium. Denver arrives with a 2-1 record for the Week 4 matchup.
San Francisco’s defensive adjustments come after the team held on late against Arizona despite the depleted front. The Broncos game marks the final contest of a three-game homestand.
Roster transactions of this type are common under the league’s practice-squad elevation rules, which allow temporary call-ups without a permanent roster commitment for Judon and Turner. Valdez’s move, by contrast, places him on the 53-man roster for the remainder of the week and beyond unless further changes occur.
