49ers Sign Veteran Matt Judon to Practice Squad Amid Defensive Injuries

The 49ers are adding veteran pass rusher Matt Judon to their practice squad as they cope with a depleted defensive line and Nick Bosa’s calf injury, which is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler with 72 career sacks, recorded no sacks last season while playing for Miami and Buffalo, leaving his current form uncertain. San Francisco had worked out Judon and other veteran defenders and added Viliami Fehoko while elevating Kevin Givens and Sebastian Valdez to bolster depth for its game against Arizona. With several defensive linemen unavailable, players already on the roster may need larger roles, and the coaching staff may use varied personnel and blitz schemes. Other available edge rushers have been suggested as options if Bosa’s absence is prolonged.
Judon said he expected to sign with San Francisco because of its injuries, telling All32’s Arabia Tillery, “I think I can just come in and help until some of those guys get back.”
Judon recorded 5.5 sacks with Atlanta in 2024, when current 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was the Falcons’ head coach; Judon’s last Pro Bowl season was 2022, when he had 15.5 sacks for New England.
Rookie edge rusher Romello Height was also ruled out against Arizona with a hand injury, leaving Khalid Kareem set to start opposite Keion White.
Among the 49ers’ potential internal replacements, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo had generated three pressures in the first two weeks, while rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger had been tried at several positions, including on the edge as a pass rusher.
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