The 49ers traded for defensive end Randy Gregory just a couple days before their Week 5 game vs. the Cowboys. Gregory was at the facility to get a physical, but didn’t practice with the team at all before that Week 5 contest. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Friday said Gregory is good to go Sunday in Cleveland after a full week of practice.
“It was good,” Shanahan said of Gregory’s practice week. “He fit in well, was able to get through three full practices, learning, picking up our scheme. I think some styles he’s used in the past are very similar, so I think he’ll pick it up fast and excited to see him here on Sunday.”
Gregory will step into a 49ers pass rush that’s had trouble finding consistent production on the edge opposite Nick Bosa. The newly-acquired DE may not play a full complement of snaps right away, but there should be plenty of work for him in passing situations where he can pin his ears back and rush the passer. As he gets into the scheme he figures to see his role increase.
The 49ers acquired Gregory and a seventh-round pick from the Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick in next year’s draft. Gregory, a second-round pick of the Cowboys in 2015, has 19.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in 60 games (18 starts) as a pro.
