That player is edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos. He participated in practice with the 49ers on a limited basis. Today was the first time since the week of the preseason finale that he has practiced with the team. Gross-Matos has been nursing a knee injury that he sustained in the preseason finale.

Having him back is wonderful news for the 49ers. There is no such thing as too much depth at the defensive line. With Gross-Matos possibly returning in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, the 49ers will have a strengthened pass rush.

That aspect of the 49ers wasn’t lethal enough in Week 1 against the New York Jets. It certainly was impactful, but there was more to be had from them. It wasn’t their best performance, to say the least, which is fine since they have Week 2 to be better against the Vikings.

The return of Gross-Matos should certainly increase that likelihood. He’s been a player the 49ers were stoked about since they signed him as a free agent. Gross-Matos wasn’t the only player to return to practice. Second-year linebacker Dee Winters has also made his return from injury.