Injuries to key receivers prompt San Francisco to bolster depth ahead of Week 3
Category: Sports
The San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad, a move announced on September 22, 2026, that aims to address a growing injury crisis within the team's receiving corps. With key players sidelined, the addition of Cooks, a 12-year NFL veteran, is seen as a necessary step to maintain offensive effectiveness.
This signing comes in the aftermath of injuries to several wide receivers, including Mike Evans, who is currently nursing a hip injury sustained during the 49ers' 35-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins on September 19. The situation worsened for San Francisco when Demarcus Robinson suffered a high ankle sprain in the same game, leading to expectations that he would be placed on Injured Reserve. The 49ers had already been without Ricky Pearsall, who is out for the season, and De'Zhaun Stribling, who is expected to miss approximately ten weeks following ankle surgery.
Brandin Cooks, who turns 33 on September 25, brings extensive experience to a team that has started the season with a 2-0 record but is now facing a depleted roster. Cooks was drafted 20th in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and has since played for several teams, including the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys. Over his 12 seasons in the league, he has accumulated impressive statistics, with 734 receptions for 9,811 yards and 60 touchdowns, including six seasons where he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards.
Last season, Cooks played 15 games, split between the Saints and the Bills, catching 24 passes for 279 yards without any touchdowns. His performance included five catches for 78 yards during the playoffs with Buffalo, but it marked a decline from his previous production levels. The 49ers are hopeful that Cooks can regain some of his speed and vertical threat capabilities, which they desperately need after losing their primary speed options in Robinson and Stribling.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated that the team will need to evaluate their options at wide receiver, especially with Evans’ injury requiring management throughout the week. Cooks is expected to take time to integrate into the 49ers’ playbook, but his potential to stretch the field and serve as a chain mover on important downs is a key reason for his signing.
As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals, the urgency to solidify their receiving corps is evident. With Robinson likely headed to Injured Reserve and Evans needing careful management of his hip injury, Cooks may be called upon sooner than anticipated. The team is also considering the readiness of other receivers, such as Khadarel Hodge and Jacob Cowing, who logged increased snaps in the absence of their injured teammates.
Cooks’ signing adds depth and experience to a unit that has been hit hard by injuries. His ability to make plays downfield could be instrumental in keeping defenses honest as the 49ers look to maintain their winning momentum. The 49ers are optimistic that Cooks can contribute, but expectations should be tempered as he acclimates to a new system.
In the broader scope, the 49ers' front office has shown a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by injuries, signaling a proactive approach as they navigate the early part of the season. The situation will be closely monitored as the team heads into a challenging stretch of games, and Cooks' performance will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
With the next game scheduled for September 24 against the Cardinals, the 49ers will need to finalize their roster decisions quickly. As they aim to keep their undefeated record intact, the integration of Brandin Cooks into their offensive scheme could prove to be a key factor in their success moving forward.