The 49ers activated Yetur Gross-Matos from injured reserve in Week 11, and he's already making a much-needed impact in a crucial game.
The San Francisco 49ers needed some thump from their defensive line depth, particularly on the outside.
Yet the Niners were counting on reinforcements, namely defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, who missed the first 10 weeks of the season because of a knee injury suffered in the preseason. After joining San Francisco as a free agent earlier in the offseason, the former second-round NFL Draft pick out of Penn State had yet to make an impact with his new squad.
Until now.
The 49ers activated Gross-Matos off injured reserve in advance of their Week 11 game against the Seattle Seahawks, ensuring there'd be some depth behind starting edge rushers, Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd.
It's early. But, it appears as if Gross-Matos' presence will be a good thing for the Niners defense in the second half of 2024.
Yetur Gross-Matos records 1st sack in a 49ers uniform
Bosa entered the game with a hip injury, so giving him some periodic breaks was going to be vital against the Hawks.
That's where Gross-Matos came into play.
After picking off quarterback Brock Purdy in the second quarter, the Hawks were poised to take a quick lead in a one-score game well within San Francisco territory.
However, Gross-Matos had other plans, sacking Seattle quarterback Geno Smith on third down to force a field goal that left the 49ers in the lead:
Welcome back, Yetur!
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The Seahawks had briefly seized momentum after the interception, but Gross-Matos ensured it wouldn't last.
It's a small sample size, but the Niners have to like what they've seen out of the rotational pass-rusher, and it's promising to observe a difference against a key rival in an important NFC West showdown.