The 49ers on Friday officially announced the signing of wide receiver Mohamed Sanu to their 53-man roster. To make room for Sanu, they placed wide receiver Richie James Jr. on Injured Reserve.
Sanu officially signing indicates he passed his three required COVID-19 tests, which means he should be able to practice with the team Friday. His agent on Tuesday announced that the veteran receiver agreed to a one-year deal with San Francisco.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t rule out Sanu playing as early as Sunday, though it doesn’t sound like he’ll have a significant role unless there’s an injury or a player struggles. The 49ers will head to New York to face the Jets with Kendrick Bourne, Dante Pettis, Trent Taylor, Brandon Aiyuk and Sanu in their receiving corps.
James’ hamstring injury happened during the season opener, and now he’ll be out at least three weeks by going on IR. His placement there opened a roster spot for Sanu. James is the second wide receiver to go on IR this season, joining Deebo Samuel who was placed there before Week 1. The earliest James would be able to return is Week 5 vs. the Dolphins.
Without James last week the 49ers relied on running back Jerick McKinnon to return kicks. Pettis and Taylor traded off punt return duties.
San Francisco leaves with their new-look receiving corps for New Jersey after Friday’s practice. They’ll kickoff against the Jets from MetLife Stadium at 10:00 am Pacific Time.
