SANTA CLARA — Two of the most respected and influential veterans on the 49ers’ roster were officially headed in opposite directions Saturday.

Tight end George Kittle, out since Week 1 with a hamstring tear, returned to the 53-man roster after missing five games while on injured reserve. Linebacker Fred Warner was placed on injured reserve, where he’ll stay the rest of the season barring an extremely unlikely comeback should the 49ers go deep into the postseason.

Also activated from I.R. is Kevin Givens, who has been out since August with a torn pectoral and can in theory add some depth to a defensive line rotation that needs some help.

In other moves, the 49ers promoted edge rusher Trevis Gipson from the practice squad, while guard Nick Zakelj and wide receiver Malik Turner were standar

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