49ers activate rookie DL Robert Beal from IR, place S George Odum on IR

Nov 27, 2023, 3:00 PM | Updated: 3:27 pm

George Odum #30 of the San Francisco 49ers lines up during an NFL football game between the San Fra...

Michael Owens/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers have made a surprise move ahead of Week 13, activating rookie Robert Beal Jr. for the rest of the 2023 season.

San Francisco activated the rookie defensive lineman from injury reserve Monday. Beal had been designated for return three weeks prior after suffering a hamstring injury in training camp. But after he was left off the active report for Week 12, many expected him to be redshirted for his rookie year.

That is not the case, however, with Beal now set to join his defensive counterparts the rest of the way. To make room, the 49ers have placed safety George Odum on the IR with a torn bicep.

Beal, 24, is a rookie edge rusher from the University of Georgia. The Michigan native played in a variety of roles in college, primarily as a pass rusher. He recorded 72 tackles, 12.0 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in six seasons at UGA.

Beal becomes the third player to be activated off the IR for the 49ers in the past two weeks, joining cornerbacks Samuel Womack III and Darrell Luter Jr.

49ers *bonus* practice. Trent Williams, Spencer Burford, Aaron Banks are all on hand … pic.twitter.com/pvRlgZdWDU

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 27, 2023

Are reinforcements on the way for the 49ers?

At the start of Monday’s practice, both left guard Aaron Banks and right guard Spencer Burford were present.

The former returned from a turf toe injury to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving. He had missed the previous two contests with the ailment.

Meanwhile, the latter missed his first game of the season in Week 12 due to a knee injury. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Burford would have played if last week was a normal gameday. Because it was not, SF opted for a more cautious approach with the starter.

Additionally, the 49ers have reportedly worked out defensive back Anthony Averett. He has bounced around the 49ers practice squad this season, now likely needed to do injuries in the secondary.