The 49ers are bringing back a familiar face for the playoffs.
San Francisco officially signed nose tackle Earl Mitchell and waived defensive back Antone Exum in a corresponding move, the team announced on Wednesday.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Mitchell, who announced his retirement in November, will be eligible to play when the 49ers open the playoffs on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Levi's Stadium.
Mitchell, 32, spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with San Francisco. He recorded 61 tackles -- five for loss -- six QB hits and one sack with San Francisco.
Mitchell brings much-needed depth to stuff the run. The 49ers lost D.J. Jones and Jullian Taylor to injuries earlier this season.
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound Mitchell should beef up the defensive line.
[RELATED: Report: Two other 49ers coaches candidates for Browns job]
Mitchell signed with the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason but was released right before the regular-season opener. He last played in an NFL game on Dec. 16, 2018.
The 49ers will play the lowest remaining seed between the Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings.