The 49ers are sending their third wide receiver to Injured Reserve. According to reports from the team facility, Tavon Austin hurt his knee and will be out for the year.
Austin, a first-round pick of the Rams in the 2013 NFL draft, signed with San Francisco in mid-August. He looked primed to earn a roster spot as a returner with Richie James Jr. on the Non-Football Injury list. Going on IR before final cuts means Austin won’t be eligible to return this season.
The team on Thursday announced James would come off the NFI though which was going to put Austin’s job in jeopardy. Now his vacant roster spot will be filled by James.
Austin joined fellow wide receivers JJ Nelson and Jalen Hurd on IR. Nelson and Hurd also suffered knee injuries during camp.
Austin has 215 receptions for 2,006 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. He was with the Rams for five seasons before playing for the Cowboys for the last two years.
The 49ers’ final roster cuts have to be done Saturday by 1:00 pm Pacific Time.
