49ers activate defensive reinforcements ahead of Monday night tilt vs. Colts

The San Francisco 49ers have been dealt a tough injury hand in 2025, losing All-Pro defenders Fred Warner and Nick Bosa to season-ending injuries.

Despite this, they've managed to remain a playoff contender in the loaded NFC, boasting a 10-4 record heading into their Week 16 Monday Night Football matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Luckily for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the 49ers are getting back an edge rusher off injured reserve and promoting two veterans off the practice squad to play key roles this evening.

49ers get back Yetur Gross-Matos, activate Eli Apple and Eric Kendricks off practice squad

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, San Francisco is getting a little bit healthier as the regular season winds down.

"49ers activated Yetur Gross-Matos from the Injured Reserve list for tonight’s game against the Colts," Schefter wrote in a post on X.

"Veteran CB Eli Apple and LB Eric Kendricks also have been activated from the practice squad."

With all of the 49ers' other injuries, Yetur Gross-Matos will be a welcome addition back to San Francisco's edge rusher room.

Eli Apple and Eric Kendricks will also provide valuable veteran depth to their cornerback and linebacker rooms, respectively.

With the Colts starting a 44-year-old Phillip Rivers on Monday night, the 49ers defense will be expected to step up and make plays, similar to how the Seattle Seahawks did in Week 15.

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