49ers Add Veteran WR Brandin Cooks

The 49ers are adding veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad as injuries continue to pile up at the position.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 23, 2026, 11:23 AM

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DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: Brandin Cooks #18 of the Buffalo Bills makes a catch for a first dow...

Brandin Cooks #18 of the Buffalo Bills makes a catch for a first down against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers are adding some veteran help to a wide receiver room that continues to get limited by injuries. San Francisco is signing veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to its practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Per Schefter’s reporting, the initial plan is for Cooks to use the practice squad to get up to speed in 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense before potentially becoming a game-day option. After their Week 2 win, it was clear they needed another option.

San Francisco lost Ricky Pearsall to a season-ending knee injury during training camp, while rookie De’Zhaun Stribling underwent ankle surgery after Week 1 and is expected to miss significant time. Christian Kirk also remains on injured reserve, although he is closer to returning than either Pearall or Stribling.

Demarcus Robinson, who was looking like a better option than most expected, suffered an unfortunate high ankle sprain. Shanahan pointed out that high ankle sprains generally require a recovery timetable of roughly three to six weeks, but no specific timeline has been given yet. Mike Evans is also dealing with a hip issue, although they said the future Hall of Famer could’ve returned against Miami if necessary.

That reality left San Francisco searching for depth at that position, and Cooks brings notable experience.

The 32-year-old was originally selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Throughout 12 years in the NFL, Cooks also spent time with the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, and Buffalo Bills.

Brandin Cooks’ IG story after signing with the 49ers 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/LpxWpp2saG

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 22, 2026

Cooks has totaled 734 receptions for 9,811 receiving yards and 60 receiving touchdowns, putting him just short of 10,000 yards for his career. His role was significantly smaller last season compared to the year prior.

Cook split time last season between New Orleans and Buffalo, appearing in 15 games with five starts and finishing with 24 receptions for 279 yards. He did show some remaining big-play ability late in the year, including a 101-yard performance against Philadelphia in Week 17.

With options still available ahead of him, there’s no guarantee that Cooks will step into snaps. According to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, Cooks did not work out for the 49ers before signing and only arrived in Santa Clara on Tuesday, leaving his potential debut date unclear. His experience and remaining speed were among the reasons San Francisco brought him in.

Cooks didn’t have a workout with the 49ers and only arrived in town today. No one’s sure when he’ll suit up for a game. His experience and speed – he averaged 19.2 yards a catch after joining Bills late last season – were the draws. Turns 33 on Friday. https://t.co/cmfED2LLnH

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 22, 2026

The 49ers have started 2-0 despite constant receiver turnover due to injuries, but QB Brock Purdy and Shanahan will be tasked with keeping the offense moving. Cooks provides another option behind Evans and Deebo Samuel Jr.

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49ers Add Veteran WR Brandin Cooks

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