49ers activate Tay Martin vs. Commanders instead of speedster Danny Gray

WASHINGTON D.C. — Danny Gray will have to wait at least another week to get a chance and build off his one catch rookie season a year ago. Gray, who is currently in his 21 day practice window after spending all season on injured reserve, was eligible to be activated but the 49ers instead downgraded the 2022 third round draft pick from questionable to out Saturday and activated wide receiver Tay Martin to face the Washington Commanders.

The 49ers also promoted safety Erik Harris from the practice squad. With Jauan Jennings missing his second straight game in concussion protocol, Martin will be in a relief and special teams role behind starters Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, with Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell in reserve. Martin has not been active this season, playing twice in 2022 and getting 21 special teams snaps and one offensive snap.

Harris was signed Nov. 28 to the practice squad to help compensate for the losses of safeties Talanoa Hufanga (torn ACL) and George Odum (biceps) and has extensive special teams experience with the Raiders and Atlanta Falcons. He has been active twice for the 49ers this season. Gray, a speedster drafted in the third round last year out of SMU, had just one catch on seven targets in 13 games as a rookie.

He hurt his shoulder this past preseason on a 23 yard kick return – his only touch of the preseason. Running back Jordan Mason missed practice Thursday and Friday because of illness, as was the case with linebacker Demetrius Flannigan Fowles on Friday. Both were listed as questionable. Left guard Aaron Banks (toe) and cornerback Ambry Thomas (knee, hand) also are questionable.

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, ankle) will miss his fourth straight game, and that prolonged absence helped prompt the 49ers to sign veteran Sebastian Joseph Day (Rams, Chargers) this week for his expected debut Sunday. Anther recent signee, Logan Ryan, will to start at safety in place of Ji’Ayir Brown (knee).

Tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle) and offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (concussion) are out, as well..