The San Francisco 49ers recently signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the practice squad, allowing him to get up to speed with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Shanahan has already suggested that Cooks is unlikely to suit up for this weekend's game against the Arizona Cardinals, but nothing is certain. Cooks has spent 12 seasons in the NFL and has enough experience to potentially get up to speed quickly.
49ers general manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR Thursday morning and was asked whether Cooks could play Sunday against the Cardinals.
"There's always a chance for everything," Lynch said. "I wouldn't anticipate that. I don't think that was the plan. I think the plan was to get here, get his legs underneath him. Even though he's been training, it's always different when you step in.
"While he's been in this offense, there's intricacies to every offense that are a little bit different. So give him a little bit of time. But I'm sure he could, and who knows? I never say never."
Lynch also discussed the addition of Cooks and what went into the decision to sign the veteran wide receiver.
"Brandin's been a really, really good football player, high-level football player," Lynch said. "I think now he's played on seven teams, so we've seen him move around a little bit. He's been traded a few times. But we've always kind of admired his play. He's played in our system. He's been incredibly productive."
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Lynch revealed that Cooks, who grew up in Stockton, California, stayed in touch with the 49ers over the years, hoping for a chance to one day join the team he cheered for as a child.
However, as training camp and the regular season began, the 49ers believed they were in good shape at wide receiver. That changed after Ricky Pearsall was lost for the season, followed by injuries to rookie De'Zhaun Stribling and veteran Demarcus Robinson during the first two weeks of the season.
"So you start looking at options, and Brandin's name pops up," Lynch said. "And so, let's get him on the phone."
Shanahan FaceTimed Cooks to gauge whether the veteran receiver would be a good fit. Cooks had other opportunities, but the chance to play for his childhood favorite team may have been difficult to pass up.
"He knew of our affinity for him over the years, and I think it was mutual," Lynch continued. "And just talked about our situation, what we were going through, what we thought he could provide for us, and asked him things like what kind of shape he's in. And, as expected, he said he's been training like he's playing. So we put it into action."
For now, it appears Cooks is unlikely to make his 49ers debut against the Cardinals. Lynch's comments leave the door open, however, and the veteran receiver should be available once he's had time to learn Shanahan's offense.
More info on: Brandin Cooks, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, De'Zhaun Stribling
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