49ers activate JaMycal Hasty from IR; release LB Mychal Kendricks

The 49ers activated running back JaMycal Hasty from the injured reserve Saturday. They also elevated tight end Tanner Hudson, quarterback Nate Sudfeld and promoted linebacker Tyrell Adams from the practice squad.

The team had one open spot on the 53-man roster heading into Sunday. To make room for Adams, the Niners released linebacker Mychal Kendricks.

Dre Greenlaw started the season but was played on the injured reserve after Week 1 to undergo surgery to repair a groin injury. Greenlaw was slated to miss 6-8 weeks as of September 16.

Marcell Harris took Greenlaw’s spot in the defense on base downs. Harris is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Colts with a thumb injury.

That’s how we got to this decision to not only sign Kendricks earlier in the week but release him before the game. There could be a few reasons for Kendricks’ release. Harris could be healthy enough to play, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles looked better than Kendricks during practice, or DeMeco Ryans is going with more sub-package looks this week, and there is no need for another linebacker. There could also be a chance that Kendricks wasn’t as healthy as they initially thought.

Sudfeld will backup Jimmy Garoppolo while Hudson is elevated as the third-string tight end behind Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner. George Kittle was placed on the injured reserve on October 9 with a nagging calf injury. Kittle should return on November 7 to face the Cardinals.

Hasty should serve as the third-down back. He’ll be a factor in the passing game as the Colts have a stout run defense but will give up the underneath passes.