49ers announce roster changes ahead of Sunday’s game in Buffalo

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster changes Saturday 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.
• Promoted LB Jalen Graham from practice squad (regular height)
• Promoted OL Sebastian Gutierrez from practice squad (standard lift)

McCloud, formerly of the New York Giants, will take over from WR Ronnie Bell, who was released this week. Bell’s 2023 season has had its ups and downs. His biggest play of the season came in the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams, when he threw a pass that likely would have given the 49ers the win. In nine games in 2024, Bell caught just two balls for 22 yards.

McCloud will primarily be used on special teams, but with CB Deommodore Lenoir out for Sunday’s game and CB Renardo Green questionable, the 49ers could use some extra depth at the cornerback position. Additionally, CB Charvarius Ward returns to action after missing several games due to the death of his daughter.

Graham is up for the second time this season. He recorded one tackle last week in Green Bay. The 49ers picked Graham off the Commanders’ practice squad in October. 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), leaving the team thin at linebacker.

Gutierrez climbs for the first time in 2024. With LT Trent Williams already listed for the game against the Bills, the 6-foot-6, 308-pound tackle could be needed on Sunday. LG Aaron Banks was also demoted for the Buffalo game. Gutierrez has appeared in one game during his NFL career, playing in two games on special teams in 2022.

The 49ers (5-6) hope to stop a two-game skid. However, doing so will be a tall order against QB Josh Allen and a talented Bills team. The weather won’t help much either, as a major winter storm hits the Buffalo area.