49ers Activate Ray-Ray McCloud: Boosting Special Teams for Regular-Season Finale against Rams

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers have activated wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud from injured reserve, allowing him to return to the team as they head into their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. McCloud is a valuable contributor on special teams and serves as the 49ers’ return specialist. During his absence in the past five games, San Francisco has struggled with punt returns. McCloud has been cleared to resume work after recovering from fractured ribs and is expected to play on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.

Meanwhile, fellow 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has been ruled out for the third consecutive game as he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Although Jennings participated in limited practice this week, he was not cleared for full football contact. This absence adds to the challenges faced by the 49ers as they approach the Rams game.

To make room for McCloud’s return, the 49ers placed tight end Ross Dwelley on injured reserve. Dwelley suffered a high ankle sprain during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 3. If the 49ers advance through two playoff games, Dwelley will be eligible to return to practice after the NFC Championship Game and could potentially be activated for the Super Bowl.

In preparation for the Rams game, the 49ers have elevated running back Jeremy McNichols and safety Tayler Hawkins from the practice squad. McNichols will serve as the team’s third running back, joining Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason. Star running back Christian McCaffrey will not be able to play due to a calf injury. According to McCaffrey, he could have played if the game had playoff implications for the 49ers.

The 49ers have already secured the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed for the postseason with a record of 12-4. Their first postseason game will be held at Levi’s Stadium on January 20 or 21.

Hawkins, who has spent the past two seasons on the 49ers’ practice squad, will make his NFL regular-season debut on Sunday. He joined the league in 2022 as an undrafted free agent from San Diego State.

Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk is questionable for the Rams game due to an illness, as announced by the 49ers. Additionally, the team has ruled out quarterback Brock Purdy (coach’s decision), defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee), cornerback Ambry Thomas (hand), and safeties Ji’Ayir Brown (knee) and Tashaun Gipson (quadricep) from the game.

Wide receiver Danny Gray is also not available for Sunday’s game as he remains on injured reserve. Gray has been on the injured reserve list since the beginning of the regular season due to a shoulder injury.

The 49ers’ preparations for the Rams game continue as they aim to maintain their position as the top seed in the NFC.