Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in 49ers fans and fans across the country.
The San Francisco 49ers are turning over every leaf in an effort to keep the roster competitive as they battle attrition.
After a slew of injuries at wide receiver, the latest move was to add veteran Brandin Cooks, who most recently played for the Buffalo Bills in 2025. Cooks was signed to the practice squad.
If Cooks is active while Demarcus
Robinson is out, that is probably not a great sign for Jordan Watkins, who was inactive in the first two weeks of the season behind KhaDarel Hodge, a player the team signed in August.
Kyle Shanahan is hopeful Christian Kirk can return to practice next week, but there are no guarantees. Until Robinson and Kirk return, the 49ers will likely lean on Hodge, Jacob Cowing, and Cooks.
Realistically, that likely means more Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Mike Evans.
Should the Niners be active at the deadline?
Wide receiver isn’t the only position the 49ers are leaky at. Defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. also has a high-ankle sprain. Surprisingly, the 49ers didn’t work out any defensive tackles this week before they return to practice. That means they are going to roll with the bodies they have on the roster.
Keion White might need to play more. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris could also lean into more 5-man fronts, where Jaden Dugger sees more snaps. Morris has his work cut out for him for at least a couple of more weeks, until Mykel Williams is eligible to return.
Williams will solve quite a few of the Niners’ problems, but it’s unfair to expect him to hit the ground running after a serious season-ending knee injury. Not every athlete will return like they never left, as Nick Bosa has.
That led us to our weekly survey question: Do the Niners need to make a move ahead of the deadline to stay competitive?
Are you feeling confident in the Niners?
Despite the injuries, the 49ers are 2-0 and look like one of the teams to beat to begin the season. What is your confidence level in the team through two weeks? Are you buying, or do we need to pump the brakes and revisit this question in a couple of weeks from now after the Niners run into a couple of playoff defenses?
