The San Francisco 49ers have a new hole to fill on their roster after placing wide receiver and starting kick returner Ray-Ray McCloud on injured reserve.

McCloud missed last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles with a rib injury and had already been ruled out for the Week 14 game with the Seattle Seahawks, in which the Niners could clinch a playoff spot.

San Francisco signed veteran wideout Chris Conley to take his roster spot. McCloud will miss at least four weeks before he can be designated to return.

Rookie Ronnie Bell will likely take over as the Niners' return man in McCloud's absence. The seventh-round pick impressed in that capacity in preseason but was a little unconvincing against Philadelphia, muffing one punt out of bounds.

The 49ers have been the best team in football since their Week 9 bye, winning their last four games by an average of 21 points. Despite their dominance on both sides of the ball, they will be keen to ensure a change in the return game does not lead to mistakes that allow their opponents in the coming weeks opportunities to stay in the game.

With backup running back Elijah Mitchell doubtful, the 49ers have promoted Jeremy McNichols from the practice squad. Safety Erik Harris has also been promoted for Week 14 after making his Niners debut against the Eagles.

Harris can only be elevated for one more game before the 49ers must sign him to the active roster if they wish to use him again.

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