The 49ers are making attacks on Bosa, Mason, Hufanga, Banks and more

SANTA CLARA – Safety Talanoa Hufanga can return to the 49ers’ embattled defense in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

However, this defense will be missing defensive lineman Nick Bosa for the third consecutive season, who was downgraded to withdrawal on Saturday due to a persistent oblique injury. Bosa hasn’t practiced in the last three weeks or left tackle Trent Williams, who was waived by the 49ers (5-7) on Friday.

Left defenseman Aaron Banks will miss a second straight game due to a concussion as he was downgraded from questionable to out

While Hufanga was officially removed from the injured reserve list, the 49ers moved running back Jordan Mason (ankle) and special teams ace George Odum (knee) to IR.

Hufanga, a 2022 All-Pro, has played in just two games this season: the Week 3 loss at the Los Angeles Rams after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament repair and just 11 snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals before his retirement with torn ligaments in his wrist.

Hufanga’s return to practice brought much-needed energy, as did that of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is expected to be activated from injured reserve for Thursday’s game against the Rams.

Hufanga is expected to play with a protective cast over his right wrist. “He’ll be able to catch it. If it’s close, he’ll catch it. He’s a playmaker,” defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said of Hufanga’s interception potential.

As a reinforcement, the 49ers promoted offensive player Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad to the active squad, where running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn and linebacker Jalen Graham were promoted since Saturday.