The San Francisco 49ers' roster has once again been decimated by injuries, fuelling further rumors and conspiracy theories concerning the negative impact of the nearby electrical substation to the practice field in Santa Clara. Although the long list of absences, which ranges from All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa to ascending tight end Jake Tonges has hit almost every position on the field, one position group is in danger of decimation – the wide receivers. Ricky Pearsall, second-round rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, and veteran Christian Kirk and DeMarcus Robinson have all landed on IR, whilst WR1 Mike Evans did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a rib injury in Week 3's win against the Arizona Cardinals.
So the 49ers have been forced to make some important changes at the position, specifically the team signed 12th year wideout Brandin Cooks to the active roster, whilst subsequently releasing KhaDarel Hodge. "#49ers signed WR Brandin Cooks to the 53-man roster. They have brought WR Malik Turner back to the practice squad to take his place there." Nick Wagoner reported on Thursday.
"Awaiting word on corresponding move but did not see WR KhaDarel Hodge (knee) during early open portion of practice." Hodge was subsequently released by the Niners. Cooks had 279 combined receiving yards in 2025 playing for the New Orleans Saints and the Buffalo Bills in 2025. If Evans is unavailable to play on Sunday against the Broncos, Cooks could slot into the starting lineup alongside Jacob Cowing and Deebo Samuel.
The 33-year old has not been the consistent 1,000+ yard receiver he once was since the 2021 season, but he remains a viable, experienced option on the perimeter for a team that desperately needs pass catching options.
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