The 49ers could be getting some reinforcements on their defensive line soon. Defensive end Dee Ford had his practice window opened after spending the last several weeks on injured reserve to take care of a back injury that cropped up in the wake of a concussion he suffered in Week 7.
Now Ford will return to practice for the 49ers on Thursday with a chance to play in San Francisco’s crucial Week 12 matchup against the Vikings.
Ford hasn’t played a ton this year, but he’s been effective when he is on the field. He had 10 pressures and three sacks in just 91 pass rushing snaps before his injury.
Adding him to a pass rush unit that’s starting to get more from DE Arden Key could help the 49ers’ defense continue playing at the level it played in Weeks 10 and 11 when they gave up a combined 20 points.