49ers sign Chase Thomas back to practice squad

This is a little bit of house-keeping, but yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers were able to sign Chase Thomas back to their practice squad. The 49ers waived Thomas last Thursday to make room for an extra tight end. The 49ers waived Thomas and placed Derek Carrier on injured reserve to make room for Garrett Celek and Asante Cleveland. Thomas cleared waivers, and was free to sign.

Thomas started the season on the practice squad, and was promoted to the 53-man roster for Week 10. He was active for Weeks 10, 11 and 12, playing exclusively on special teams. Cleveland essentially replaced him this past week, playing entirely on special teams.

The question now is what will happen with Cleveland if Vance McDonald is ready to go. McDonald thought he was close last week, so one would imagine he will be back in the mix this week. That would put the 49ers tight end depth chart at Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek and Asante Cleveland. The 49ers don't necessarily have a specific roster spot to fill right now, so it is possible Cleveland just sticks on the 53-man roster through this week.

The team has to then make a decision about NaVorro Bowman's status by next Tuesday. If they are comfortable with the rest of their 53-man roster, maybe Cleveland is the guy who gets waived when Bowman has to be activated. The 49ers could end Bowman's season next week, but assuming they beat the Raiders this weekend and the playoffs remain a possibility, maybe they activate Bowman to buy some more time. They have some options, but it will be a few days before we get a better handle on what the plan is.