The 49ers Boost Roster with Defensive Reinforcement and Offensive Weapon in a Blockbuster Trade
The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their roster with two new signings while also clearing DL Kalia Davis to return to practice. The team, hit by a series of injuries over the past month, has brought in DL Jonathan Garvin and welcomed back WR Terique Owens.
The 49ers announced the roster updates on October 2.
“The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have Signed DL Jonathan Garvin and WR Terique Owens to the practice squad and released DL Shakel Brown from the practice squad. Additionally, the team has opened the practice window for DL Kalia Davis (Injured Reserve List),” the official statement read.
These moves offer hope for 49ers fans, despite Brown’s release. The team recently lost DT Jordan Elliott to injury during their Week 4 victory against the New England Patriots. Though Elliott is listed as questionable, the return of Davis to practice and the addition of a veteran like Garvin provide crucial depth.
Owens, who first joined the team as an undrafted free agent earlier this year, could help ease the absence of WR Ricky Pearsall, who is recovering from a gunshot wound.
Kalia Davis Nears Full Recovery
While Davis might not be a household name, those within the 49ers organization have high hopes for his potential. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Davis’ career. After an ACL tear ended his college days at UCF, he missed his entire rookie season with San Francisco in 2022.
Davis made it onto the field in 2023 but played only three games, recording one sack before a high-ankle sprain sidelined him for the postseason. He then suffered a knee injury during the 2024 preseason, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed optimism about Davis’ return, particularly given the team’s current struggles with injuries along the defensive line.
“We’ve got some outside guys who are good inside rushers on passing downs and things like that. But, we’ll always keep an eye on what’s out there. Hopefully, we can get Kalia Davis back soon, which would help a lot,” Shanahan said on September 23.
Terique Owens Returns After Hand Injury
Owens was initially cut from the roster due to a hand injury suffered earlier in the season, which was expected to take 5-7 weeks to heal. Now, roughly seven weeks later, he appears fully recovered and has rejoined the squad.
Owens, the son of 49ers legend and Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, played college football at Florida Atlantic and Missouri State. In his final season at Missouri State, he accumulated 528 yards on 28 receptions, averaging 18.9 yards per catch and ranking 12th among FCS receivers in yards per reception.
