by 49ers promote CB McCloud to 53-man roster for Bills game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The struggling 49ers added cornerback Nick McCloud to the 53-man active roster on Saturday.
The 49ers waived wide receiver Ronnie Bell on Friday, freeing up a spot for McCloud.
In his fourth NFL season, McCloud appeared in two 49ers games. The 26-year-old has played 19 snaps on special teams, but has yet to play defense.
San Francisco ruled out cornerback Deommodore Lenoir on Friday, so McCloud gives the 49ers some secondary depth heading into Sunday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
Linebacker Jalen Graham and offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez were standard practice squad elevations for the Week 13 game.
Coach Kyle Shanahan announced Friday that left tackle Trent Williams, defensive end Nick Bosa, left guard Aaron Banks and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott also would not play against the Bills.
Veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward will play Sunday after missing the last month while mourning the tragic death of his daughter Amani Joy.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to start against the Bills after missing the 49ers’ last game with a right shoulder injury.
San Francisco needs every available player to step up as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
A victory Sunday in snowy western New York would go a long way toward that cause.
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