The San Francisco 49ers have bolstered their receiving corps by signing veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad. This move comes in response to a series of injuries that have depleted the team's wide receiver depth early in the season.
Cooks, 32, brings a wealth of experience to the 49ers. Since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2014, he has amassed 9,811 receiving yards and 60 touchdowns over his 12-year career. His previous stints include time with the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, and most recently, the Buffalo Bills. Notably, Cooks has achieved six 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has appeared in two Super Bowls.
The 49ers' decision to sign Cooks was prompted by injuries to key receivers. Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson have all been sidelined, and Mike Evans is managing a hip injury. By adding Cooks, the team aims to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with a reliable and experienced target as they navigate these challenges.
Cooks' recent experience with the Bills in 2025 saw him contribute 24 receptions for 279 yards over 15 games. His familiarity with high-pressure situations and ability to adapt to new offensive systems make him a valuable addition to the 49ers as they strive to maintain offensive consistency amid their current injury concerns.
The 49ers are scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 27, 2026. It remains to be seen how quickly Cooks will be integrated into the active roster and what impact he will have on the team's offensive performance in the coming weeks.