Daniel

Helm

The move will be made official Tuesday afternoon. Also coming off the COVID list and rejoining Aiyuk on the 53-man roster will be DT D.J. Jones, TE Daniel Helm and DL Jordan Willis. Aiyuk, who had three straight 75-yard games before catching the coronavirus, has not played since Week 10. Deebo Samuel returned from injury in Week 12 and had a monster game, though Samuel and Aiyuk are utilized differently in coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He gets more “pure receiver” looks, with Samuel a YAC slasher. Aiyuk will offer some WR3 value for Week 13 against the Bills.

Five other names also were promoted from the practice squad: RB Austin Walter, WR River Cracraft, TE Daniel Helm, G Troy Bergstrom and S Johnathan Cyprien. White or Cracraft should see immediate snaps with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk missing. It’s a true “Replacements” game on primetime for a 49ers’ offense that is starting Nick Mullens under center.

Helm was on the Bucs’ practice squad, but with Jordan Reed (knee) sidelined for the next two months, they need bodies. Helm is familiar with coach Kyle Shanahan after spending time with the Niners in recent seasons. George Kittle and Ross Dwelley are the top two options still.