SANTA CLARA — The 49ers will be without return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud for at least the rest of this month.
McCloud went on the Injured Reserve list Saturday and must miss a minimum of four games, which could prove consequential if the 49ers don’t find a sure-handed replacement in their playoff push.
Rookie Ronnie Bell filled in last game for McCloud and botched a punt return with the ball harmlessly bouncing out of bounds in last Sunday’s 42-19 win at Philadelphia.
Veteran wide receiver Chris Conley was promoted from the practice squad to fill McCloud’s roster spot.
McCloud was ruled out Friday, along with defensive tackle Arik Armstead and tight end Ross Dwelley, for this Sunday’s game between the 49ers (9-3) and the Seattle Seahawks (6-6) at Levi’s Stadium.
“He was limited on Wednesday, but didn’t feel great, so we’ve got to be safe with him,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday of McCloud.
McCloud injured his ribs in last month’s win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he played in the Thanksgiving night win at Seattle, where he fumbled a punt return that teammate Oren Burks recovered in the fourth quarter of that 31-13 win.
GREENLAW FINED
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw got fined $10,927 for his “unnecessary roughness” tackle that sparked an Eagles’ sideline scuffle with security chief Dom DiSandro, who’s reportedly not allowed on the Philadelphia sideline Sunday at Dallas. Also fined for unnecessary roughness in separate third-quarter plays from Sunday’s game: the 49ers’ Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles ($9,940, for a facemask violation) and the Eagles’ Jalen Carter ($16,937, for a violation on a point-after kick).
SEAHAWKS QB ISSUES
With starting quarterback Geno Smith (groin) questionable for Sunday’s game, the Seahawks elevated Foothill High-Pleasanton product Sean Mannion from the practice squad, as an option behind Drew Lock, Smith’s potential replacement starter. Also elevated was Patrick O’Connell as fellow linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle) is also questionable. Outside linebacker Frank Clark will not travel with the team for non-injury reasons, the Seahawks announced.
OTHER MOVES
Safety Erik Harris and running back Jeremy McNichols were elevated from the practice squad, likely for special-teams roles in Sunday’s games along with depth purposes at their specific positions. McNichols got the nod over fellow running back Ty Davis-Price, who was released Tuesday but re-signed to the practice squad. Also of note, the 49ers opted for Conley’s promotion rather than activate Danny Gray off Injured Reserve.