49ers signing veteran WR Brandin Cooks to practice squad

According to multiple reports, the San Francisco 49ers are signing free-agent wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad as the veteran works to get up to speed quickly in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Cooks entered the NFL as a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, who selected him 20th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. Throughout his career, he has played for the Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, and Buffalo Bills.

During the 2025 season, which he split between the Saints and Bills, Cooks appeared in 15 games, including five starts. He recorded 24 receptions for 279 yards, averaging 11.6 yards per catch, with no touchdowns.

Cooks' best seasons came between 2015 and 2021. He recorded at least 1,037 receiving yards and six touchdowns in six of those seven seasons.

Over 12 NFL seasons, Cooks has appeared in 173 games, recording 734 receptions for 9,811 yards and 60 receiving touchdowns. He has also rushed for 341 yards and two touchdowns.

The 49ers have lost several wide receivers this season. Ricky Pearsall underwent season-ending knee surgery during training camp, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling underwent ankle surgery following a Week 1 injury and isn't expected to return until later in the season, and Demarcus Robinson suffered a high-ankle sprain on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Additionally, Mike Evans is dealing with a hip issue, although the injury is not believed to be serious.

Matt Barrows of The Athletic added that Cooks didn't work out for the 49ers and arrived in Santa Clara on Tuesday. He noted, "No one's sure when he'll suit up for a game."

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