The San Francisco 49ers announced on Thursday they have promoted TE Daniel Helm to the active roster from the team's practice squad. In order to make room on the roster, the team placed TE Garrett Celek on the Injured Reserve List. The team also signed S Jacob Thieneman to the team's practice squad.
Helm (6-4, 225) originally signed with the Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 10, 2019. He was waived by the Chargers on August 1 and claimed by the 49ers August 2. Helm was waived by the 49ers on August 31 and signed to the practice squad the following day.
A 24-year-old native of Chatham, IL, Helm attended Duke University where he appeared in 38 games (24 starts) for the Blue Devils and registered 69 receptions for 767 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons (2016-18) after transferring to the school from the University of Tennessee. As a senior in 2018, he appeared in all 13 games (11 starts) and finished with 26 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns, earning Third-Team All-ACC honors.
Helm will wear number 43.
Thieneman (6-1, 215) originally entered the NFL after signing with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent on May 15, 2019. He was waived by the Giants on June 13, later signed with the Indianapolis Colts on August 26 and was waived on August 31.
A 23-year-old native of Noblesville, IN, Thieneman attended Purdue University (2014-18), where he appeared in 34 games and registered 170 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11 passes defensed, 7.0 sacks, three interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Celek (6-5, 252) was activated from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List on November 11, 2019 and appeared in five games (one start) this season.
