49ers sign Clelin Ferrell to 53-man roster, elevate Eli Apple from practice squad

The 49ers rewarded defensive end Clelin Ferrell by signing him to the 53-man roster Saturday and flexed cornerback Eli Apple from the practice squad, a move that means Deommodore Lenoir may not face Arizona.

The 49ers (6-4) play the Cardinals (3-6) Sunday (Fox, 1:05 p.m.).

Ferrell was signed to the practice squad on Oct. 29 and played 18 snaps (with one sack) in a 34-24 win over the New York Giants and 24 snaps in a 42-26 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Ferrell had only one practice squad elevation remaining before he would need to be on the 53-man roster.

Apple, activated for the second time off the practice squad, was added to the roster for depth with Lenoir listed as questionable with a calf injury. Signed to a five-year, $92 million contract extension, last season, Lenoir has started all 10 games at cornerback after splitting time between corner and slot cyorner last season.

The injury occurred during Thursday’s practice and Shanahan said the following day Lenoir would be getting an MRI.

“Didn’t think it was that serious,” Shanahan said. “Did a jog-in from a drill. Just some tightness. We’ll find out more when we get an MRI.”

Apple was also activated for the 49ers’ game against Jacksonville on Sept. 28 but didn’t play a defensive snaps, playing three snaps on special teams.

If Lenoir can’t play, the likely starter along with Renardo Green is Darrell Luter Jr. Luter started and played 68 snaps in the Jacksonville game, his most extensive playing time of the season, and 47 against Atlanta.

To make room on the 53-man roster, the 49ers waived quarterback Adrian Martinez, who has been the backup to Mac Jones for the last six games. Brock Purdy returns as the starting quarterback against the Cardinals, with Jones as the backup.

Martinez, should he clear waivers, would likely be signed to the practice squad.