Per the NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the San Francisco 49ers are signing safety Darrick Forrest to the practice squad. After the Wild Card win, Kyle Shanahan said safety Ji’Ayir Brown is a “long shot” to play this weekend. Brown did not practice on Tuesday after a hamstring injury.
Malik Mustapha, Jason Pinnock, and Marques Sigle are the healthy options at safety on the roster. Derrick Canteen is the only safety on the practice squad. He did not step onto the field this season. If Brown can’t play
on a short week, Forrest or Canteen would be promoted to the active roster.
Unless the 49ers are willing to go into the game with three safeties and elevate another player, like Eli Apple or an extra wide receiver. Ricky Pearsall’s health will play a factor in the decision.
Forrest has the most experience. He played 472 special teams snaps in four seasons with the Washington Commanders, including 32 in two playoff games last season. Forrest started one game in 2024, five in 2023, and 11 in 2022 at safety for Washington.
They’ve watched Canteen practice for long enough to know whether they can trust him in a game setting. Signing Forrest tells us they prefer experience.
The 49ers also signed tight end Hayden Rucci to the practice squad. Ruccie played four games in 2025 with the Detroit Lions. He also spent time on the Miami Dolphins practice squad in 2025.
The corresponding move was to release wide receiver Javon Baker from the practice squad.
Wide receiver Colton Dowell signed a Reserve/Future contract. Dowell had appeared in 10 games throughout his three-year career. He was with the Ravens’ practice squad up until October 25 of this year.
Part of the reason the 49ers are making all of these moves isn’t just for the game. They need bodies to practice to go against on the scout team, and not every day will be a walk-through. Even if we don’t see Forrest or Rucci on Saturday, they’ll be needed for preparation throughout the week.
