San Francisco’s defensive line, absolutely slammed by injuries, is bringing in a massive veteran presence. Four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon is officially signing with the 49ers’ practice squad, confirmed after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler dropped the report. This isn’t some quiet move; it signals just how desperate the Niners are to shore up their defensive front right now.
From Pro Bowl Star to Practice Squad Help
Let’s be real, this isn’t the Judon who was bagging those monstrous double-digit sack seasons. The 34-year-old made four straight Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2022. He was a force, racking up 12.5 sacks in 2021 and an unbelievable 15.5 sacks in 2022 with the Patriots after five seasons dominating for the Baltimore Ravens. Those were his absolute peak years.
His journey has been a whirlwind since then, including his only season with the Falcons in 2024 where he managed 5.5 sacks. Then he played 13 games with the Miami Dolphins last year before getting waived in December. He even popped up for just one game with the Buffalo Bills after signing to their practice squad there. Despite what might seem like a slide, Judon is confident he can still make a difference for a 49ers team lacking depth. He’s reuniting with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who he previously played under when Morris was head coach for the Atlanta Falcons. Before Fowler’s report, Judon told All32’s Arabia Tillery exactly what he thinks he can do: “With all of the injuries piling up over there I think I can just come in and help until some of those guys get back.” That’s the mindset of a veteran who knows his role.
The 49ers’ Defensive Line Crisis
The reason for this signing is crystal clear: the 49ers are hurting badly on the defensive line. Their pass rush is absolutely decimated by injuries. Superstar Nick Bosa is sidelined right now with a calf injury, and rookie Romello Height is dealing with a broken hand. That broken hand, by the way, kept Height completely out of their big Week 3 win over the Miami Dolphins.
With those two key players out, San Francisco is just unbelievably light on depth on the edge. Guys like Keion White, Khalid Kareem, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo have been carrying the load as the primary members of the edge rotation. Viliami Fehoko got in for 13 snaps in that Week 3 victory, showing just how thin they are. They needed a body, and they got a battle-tested one, even if it’s on the practice squad.
So what’s the immediate payoff? Judon could potentially make his 49ers debut this coming Sunday when San Francisco hosts the Denver Broncos. Can this four-time Pro Bowler, even on the practice squad, provide that much-needed veteran spark and help a banged-up D-line? The pressure is on for Judon to prove he’s still got some gas left in the tank for a team that desperately needs it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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