The 49ers made an addition to their practice squad to help their in-house wide receiver depth. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported the 49ers added former Titans and Jets receiver Deontay Burnett to their practice squad. There’s no word on a corresponding move to make room on the 10-man practice squad roster.
Burnett signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent last year out of USC. He had a good preseason in Tennessee, but was waived at final roster cuts. The Jets signed him to their practice squad shortly after his release from Tennessee. He spent part of the year on New York’s practice squad, but saw action in five games with one start after being activated in Week 7 of last season. He caught 10 balls for 143 yards from his college quarterback Sam Darnold. New York waived him at the end of training camp this year.
His arrival in San Francisco isn’t actually a huge surprise. He’s a typical Kyle Shanahan receiver at 6-foot, 186 pounds. He’s not an explosive athlete, but he’s a good route runner who got open effectively in college. Burnett played three years at USC and got better each season. He finished his career with 152 catches for 1,897 yards and 16 touchdowns. His final year was his best when he posted 1,114 yards and nine touchdowns on 86 receptions.
There’s not a lot of room on the 49ers’ receiver depth chart, especially if Trent Taylor or Jalen Hurd return from IR when their eligible. However, the talent on their roster hasn’t produced at a high level through six weeks, and Deebo Samuel is dealing with a groin injury that could put his status in jeopardy for Sunday in Washington.
