The 49ers on Saturday filled the roster spot left by NaVorro Bowman's exit by promoting rookie tight end Cole Hikutini from the practice squad to the active roster.
Hikutini (Pleasant Grove High School) was one of the team's top targets as a free agent after the draft. The 49ers envisioned him as a candidate for their "move" tight end spot, which at the time was occupied by Vance McDonald.
They eventually traded McDonald to the Pittsburgh Steelers and kept rookie George Kittle, Garrett Celek and Logan Paulsen as their tight ends.
With fullback Kyle Juszczyk out for Sunday's game with a back injury, San Francisco's tight ends are bound to get extra work.