The San Francisco 49ers officially added veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad on Wednesday as part of a series of roster moves. Entering his 13th NFL season, Cooks brings experience and depth to the receiving corps, but he'll need to get up to speed with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Shanahan spoke to reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice, Cooks' first with the team, and shared insight into the decision to sign the former first-round draft pick.
"Just awesome to get a veteran receiver here," Shanahan said. "I mean, Brandin, I've been a fan of him for the last 10 years. He's had a hell of a career, been a hell of a player, and we're down on guys. So, it's awesome to get a guy in here who's done it before and done it for a long time."
Cooks is believed to have had other options. What did the 49ers tell him to convince the veteran receiver to sign with them?
"Just showing him our situation," Shanahan said. "I mean, he knows that we're down guys, so he's going to have an opportunity to get up eventually. Tell him we'd give him a chance to come here, let him show us what he can do. Give him a chance to compete to get up.
"Today will be his first day, so he's got to learn the offense, get used to it out there. But hopefully, he can show that over this week or over the next few weeks."
Shanahan admitted that he isn't sure when Cooks could realistically suit up for a game. After all, Wednesday will be his first practice with the team, meaning the coach had not yet seen him on the field. Cooks reportedly did not work out for the 49ers before agreeing to sign.
"It's literally my first day seeing him, so I'm not sure," Shanahan said. "But we're down guys, so as soon as he's ready—we usually get five guys up for game day, so as soon as he can show he's one of those five."
The 49ers have lost several receivers to injuries this season. Ricky Pearsall (knee) is out for the season, while rookie De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) and Demarcus Robinson (ankle) are expected to miss significant time.
Additionally, Mike Evans is dealing with a hip issue, though it is not considered serious.
How Brandin Cooks could fit into the 49ers' receiver group
Shanahan was asked how Cooks might complement the 49ers' current group of wide receivers. His answer provided some insight into how the coaching staff determines its game-day lineup.
"I don't really look at it that way," Shanahan said. "We're just trying to get the five best guys out there, and what complements our whole roster. So, it's not always your top three receivers. Usually it's your top three, and then four and five are guys that have got to be able to help at receiver, but also have to contribute other places, which is why you want them to be able to help out on special teams, so no one gets hurt in a game, and you don't need to rotate guys a lot.
"Then, you want your best special teams players at four and five. If guys can't go every play and you're trying to rotate guys, then you've got to balance out with who's the best special teams guy and who's really good at receiver.
"We've got two receivers in [KhaDarel] Hodge and [Jacob] Cowing, who have a big role in special teams. So, it plays out that way with those guys, and we'll see how he can fit in, whether he can be one of the guys that can be those top three guys or one that passes up one of the special teams guys."
For now, Cooks' immediate priority is learning Shanahan's offense and proving he can contribute. With the 49ers dealing with wide receiver injuries, the veteran has an opportunity to work his way into the team's plans once he's ready.
More info on: Jacob Cowing, Mike Evans, KhaDarel Hodge, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, De'Zhaun Stribling
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