49ers promote Chris Conley and Shemar Jean-Charles to the active roster

The San Francisco 49ers announced that they’ve promoted wide receiver Chris Conley and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles to the active roster ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Conley is the extra receiver while Deebo Samuel recovers from a hairline fracture. One thing to keep an eye on in the coming weeks is whether the 49ers open the practice window for Danny Gray.

But tonight the onus will be on Jauan Jennings and Ray-Ray McCloud to replace some of Samuel’s production against a Minnesota Vikings defense that’s given up at least 48 yards to a WR2 in every game but one this season. That one game came against the Philadelphia Eagles when the Vikings allowed 259 rushing yards.

The 49ers running game might determine how this game goes. Trent Williams is unlikely to play with a lower ankle sprain. He’s not the only player along the offensive line banged up. The downgrade from Williams to anybody is incomparable, but left guard Aaron Banks is also playing through an ankle injury.

For as much concern as there is about the Vikings blitz rate and how an inexperienced 49ers offensive line will fare against them, Minnesota doesn’t get home. They have the fifth-lowest pressure rate in the league.

Brock Purdy played against this Brian Flores type of defense during his first start against the Miami Dolphins last season and had surprising success. While he had Williams and Deebo, Purdy’s experience a season later should show tonight.