49ers promote Steven Dunbar to active roster, expect him to play in finale

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SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers promoted rookie wide receiver Steven Dunbar Jr. from the practice squad to be available for Sunday's season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.

“Unless something crazy happens, I expect him to play,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday.

Dunbar fills the roster spot that opened when the 49ers placed safety Jaquiski Tartt on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Dunbar has spent this season on the practice squad working at all the receiver spots. Shanahan said Dunbar would have been ready to play each game this week if the 49ers had needed him.

“We could’ve plugged him in on a Saturday, and he always would’ve known the game plan,” Shanahan said.

Dunbar (6-foot-3, 202 pounds) runs hard and has good hands, Shanahan said. The 49ers signed him as an undrafted rookie from Houston, where he caught 180 passes for 2,430 yards and 11 touchdowns in his four-year college career.

Each of the 49ers' 10 practice-squad players to open the campaign have spent time on NFL active rosters this season.

Dunbar, quarterback Nick Mullens, running back Jeff Wilson Jr., tight end Ross Dwelley, linebacker Pita Taumoepenu and defensive back Tyvis Powell are on the 49ers' 53-man roster. Offensive lineman Najee Toran, currently on the 49ers' practice squad, spent three games on the 49ers' active roster but did not appear in a game. Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is on injured reserve with the 49ers. Offensive lineman Zach Golditch and defensive lineman Niles Scott are with the Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals, respectively.

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