The San Francisco 49ers announced Thursday that veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. The move comes as the team battles a mounting injury crisis among its receiving corps.
Roster adjustments amid injuries
In addition to Cooks’ promotion, the 49ers signed wide receiver Malik Turner to the practice squad. The team also released receiver KhaDarel Hodge, reaching an injury settlement with the player.
San Francisco’s receiving unit has been hit hard this season. Ricky Pearsall is sidelined with a knee injury, Demarcus Robinson is dealing with a high‑ankle sprain, De’Zhaun Stribling is recovering from ankle surgery, and Christian Kirk is on the injured reserve list with a calf issue. Stribling went down in Week 1, while Robinson was hurt in Week 2.
Veteran tight end Mike Evans, a marquee offseason acquisition, suffered a hip injury in Week 2, played through it in Week 3, and then incurred a rib strain. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains on the reserve/left squad list amid an ongoing standoff with the organization.
Brandin Cooks’ background
Brandin Cooks, 33, joins the 49ers after spending the previous season on the practice squad. He entered the league as a first‑round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2014 and has since played for the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, as well as the Saints and Buffalo Bills last season.
In 2025, Cooks appeared in 15 games for New Orleans and Buffalo, recording 24 receptions for 279 yards. He was involved in a controversial late‑game play during the divisional round of the playoffs, where a catch was overturned and ruled an interception after Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian wrestled the ball away.
Cooks now embarks on his 13th NFL season, marking his seventh team. He brings a career total of 734 receptions, 9,811 receiving yards, and 60 touchdowns, providing the 49ers with experienced depth as they navigate a challenging stretch of the season.
What the move means for San Francisco
By promoting Cooks, the 49ers add a reliable veteran presence to a receiving group depleted by injuries. His route‑running ability and experience across multiple offensive systems give head coach Kyle Shanahan additional options in the passing game.
While the team continues to assess the health of its other receivers, the addition of Cooks and Turner signals a proactive approach to maintaining offensive competitiveness. Fans can expect Cooks to contribute on special teams and potentially see increased snaps as the 49ers work to keep pace in the NFC West race.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
