Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that the 49ers expect to activate Sermon (ankle) from injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Texans, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Absent for the past four contests due to a sprained right ankle, Sermon set himself up for a return in the near future by getting back on the practice field last Wednesday. Assuming Shanahan's statement comes to pass, Sermon may find it difficult to be a part of the offense if Elijah Mitchell (knee) also puts an end to a three-game absence this weekend. If Mitchell is available, he could take on his usual workhorse role, while his stand-in, Jeff Wilson, would be next up for early-down reps. JaMycal Hasty also is on hand for change-of-pace work, which could limit Sermon's chances to get on the field.