49ers Will Activate Three Defensive Linemen Sunday
The San Francisco 49ers adjust their roster for Sunday's home game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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The San Francisco 49ers will activate three defensive linemen for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara. The move follows several recent injuries across the team's defensive front.
Why it matters
The team faces a critical shortage of depth on the defensive line following a week of significant injuries to key starters and reserves. These roster changes aim to maintain defensive integrity for the upcoming matchup at Levi's Stadium.
Kevin Givens enters his 8th season with the 49ers, having recorded 92 career tackles and 8 sacks over 70 games and 14 starts. He joins a defensive line rotation typically comprised of nine players.
The players
Nick Bosa
He is a premier defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers who is currently managing a calf injury expected to keep him sidelined for a few weeks.
Kevin Givens
He is an experienced defensive lineman who has played 70 games for the 49ers over his eight-season tenure with the franchise.
Viliami Fehoko
He is a defensive lineman who was signed to the team's active 53-man roster to help address recent personnel shortages.
CJ West
He is a defensive player who was placed on injured reserve this week following a knee surgery.
Romello Height
He is a defensive lineman who is set to miss at least one game while recovering from surgery on a fractured hand.
The details
The 49ers signed Viliami Fehoko to the 53-man roster and elevated Kevin Givens and Sebastian Valdez from the practice squad to bolster the line. The team also added Naquan Jones from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad and signed Brandon Cooks to the practice unit.
Timeline
Wednesday: CJ West was placed on injured reserve.
Thursday: Nick Bosa sustained a calf injury.
Saturday: Viliami Fehoko was signed to the 53-man roster.
Sunday: The game against the Arizona Cardinals takes place at Levi's Stadium.
Roadmap
NFL franchises rely on deep practice squad rotations to navigate the high rate of attrition inherent in a professional football season. This strategy allows teams to maintain competitive depth when injuries force starters and primary backups out of the lineup.
The activation of three defensive linemen significantly shifts the team's defensive front rotation for Sunday's game. Fans and analysts should monitor how these depth players replace the production lost from injured starters like Nick Bosa.
The takeaway
Maintaining roster flexibility remains the most vital skill for coaching staffs during an injury-plagued season. Teams that effectively utilize practice squad elevations often see the most success in sustaining performance levels throughout the year.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's lineup, visit the Football section.
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