49ers inactives vs. Seahawks: Backups to see increased roles with Arik Armstead, Ray-Ray McCloud out
Injuries are never good, but they do open up opportunities for other players.
By Peter Panacy
Sunday, Dec. 10. 9-3. 42. 49ers -13.5. 6-6. Fox. 4:05 p.m. ET. 36. 49ers-Seahawks gameday
With Arik Armstead and Ray-Ray McCloud out versus the Seahawks, some 49ers backups should see an uptick in snap counts.
Two of the San Francisco 49ers' more important players are going to be absent for the team's Week 14 home matchup against their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot) was already announced as being out for the game, while wide receiver and return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud (ribs) was also given the same designation but was placed on injured reserve because of the injury, too.
In a corresponding move, the Niners promoted veteran wideout Chris Conley to the 53-man roster.
Conley is one player whose gameday role increases by default, given he was previously a mere practice squad body. With McCloud out, he could be in the mix for return duties, too. Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco had wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Ronnie Bell assisting with returns while McCloud was out.
49ers inactives vs. Seahawks in Week 14
Armstead isn't on IR, so he'll be listed among those who are inactive in Week 14. McCloud, meanwhile, won't count for a roster spot after having been placed on IR and won't be on the inactive report for the game.
Here's the full list of players who won't dress for the 49ers this Sunday:
- DT Arik Armstead
- RG Spencer Burford
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- TE Ross Dwelley
- CB Darrell Luter Jr.
- DE Robert Beal Jr.
Related story: 49ers vs. Seahawks game time, location, odds, TV channel and live stream
In Armstead's absence, one would expect reserve defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Kalia Davis to see considerably more field time, and both players actually recorded a sack against Philly a week ago.
Dwelley, meanwhile, has been so scantly used this season. But his absence could open up the door for rookie reserve tight end Brayden Willis, who has mostly been inactive on game days so far through 2023.
The Niners and Hawks kick off on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium.
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