The San Francisco 49ers surprisingly elected not to acquire a defensive end at the trade deadline despite a clear lack of depth on the edge.

On Wednesday, they announced news that might explain their inaction, confirming Yetur Gross-Matos has had his practice window opened.

Gross-Matos, a free agent signing this offseason with the ability to rush the passer off the edge and from the interior, has dealt with a knee issue since the preseason and has not played since the Week 4 win over the New England Patriots. He was placed on injured reserve last month.

His injury left the 49ers with an extremely limited rotation at edge rusher, with Nick Bosa supported only by veteran Leonard Floyd, Robert Beal Jr. and Sam Okuayinonu, the latter emerging as an outstanding find as he has tallied three sacks.

The 49ers acquired defensive tackle Khalil Davis at the trade deadline, but did not make a move for an edge rusher, with Gross-Matos' imminent return to practice potentially part of the reason why.

With Gross-Matos set to return to the fray and Davis adding much-needed depth on the interior, the 49ers' D-Line appears in a better spot to handle the stretch run.

In addition to the news surrounding Gross-Matos' comeback, the 49ers also announced the acquisition of Davis as well as the signings of their former starting safety Tashaun Gipson and wide receiver Russell Gage to the practice squad.

Wide receiver Malik Turner has been released from the practice squad.

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