The 49ers on Saturday opened the door for five players, including tight end George Kittle, to be available to play in the team’s Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The 49ers activated Kittle and defensive tackle Kevin Givens off injured reserve. They also promoted defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the 53-man roster and elevated wide receiver Malik Turner and offensive lineman Nick Zakelj from the practice squad.
There is no restriction on how much Kittle will play Sunday night against the Falcons, as he returns to action after sustaining a severe hamstring injury in the 49ers’ Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
“George has rehabbed really well, came back 100-percent, had a good week of practice,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday. “We’ll space it out throughout the game, but yeah, no pitch count.”
The 49ers created roster spaces for Kittle, Givens and Gipson by waiving tight end Brayden Willis and placing linebacker Fred Warner and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on injured reserve.
Warner underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a fractured and dislocated right ankle, while Valdes-Scantling sustained a calf injury this week.
Turner will be active for the third time this season. Starting wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was ruled out with a knee injury. Turner is expected to see considerable action on special teams.