49ers Sign Brandin Cooks to Practice Squad Amid Receiver Injuries
The short version
- 49ers signed veteran WR Brandin Cooks to the practice squad; he played for Buffalo in 2025
- Demarcus Robinson is out and Christian Kirk has not yet returned to practice
- Defense is also thin: DT James Thompson Jr. has a high-ankle sprain
- Mykel Williams is eligible to return in about two weeks after a knee injury
- San Francisco is 2-0 to start the season
Injury-hit San Francisco added veteran wideout Brandin Cooks to the practice squad while Demarcus Robinson and Christian Kirk work back toward the lineup.
The San Francisco 49ers, off to a 2-0 start, have signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad as injuries mount at the position. Cooks spent the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills. His arrival comes with Demarcus Robinson currently out and Christian Kirk not yet back at practice, though head coach Kyle Shanahan is hopeful Kirk can resume practicing next week.
Until Robinson and Kirk return, the receiving corps is expected to lean on KhaDarel Hodge, Jacob Cowing and Cooks. Hodge was signed in August, and Jordan Watkins has been inactive for the first two weeks of the season. Quarterback targets could shift more heavily toward Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Mike Evans in the meantime.
Depth concerns extend to the defensive line, where tackle James Thompson Jr. is dealing with a high-ankle sprain. The team did not work out any defensive tackles this week, indicating it plans to use its current roster. Keion White could see an expanded role, and coordinator Raheem Morris may use more five-man fronts that increase snaps for Jaden Dugger.
The 49ers are also waiting on Mykel Williams, who is eligible to return in a couple of weeks after a serious season-ending knee injury. How quickly he rounds into form remains an open question, and the roster questions have fueled discussion about whether San Francisco should make a move before the trade deadline.
