It may be a couple of weeks before the San Francisco 49ers turn to veteran wide receiver and recent practice squad addition Brandin Cooks.
The 49ers on Wednesday officially signed Cooks to their practice squad as part of a slew of roster moves. They added the 32-year-old receiver in the wake of injuries to WRs Mike Evans and Demarcus Robinson in Week 2. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday in a press conference said he didn't know when Cooks would suit up for a game.
“I have no idea," Shanahan said. "It's only my first day seeing him, so I'm not sure. But, we're down guys so as soon as he's ready. We usually get five guys up for game day, so as soon as he can show he's one of those five.”
It wouldn't be a surprise if Cooks earns a place
on the game day roster during the week of practice leading up to the 49ers' Week 3 matchup at home vs. the Arizona Cardinals.
Evans' hip injury isn't expected to be serious, although he was absent from Wednesday's practice. If Evans suits up, it'll likely be Evans, Deebo Samuel, Jacob Cowing and KhaDarel Hodge suited up for Sunday's game. Cowing is the team's punt returner and Hodge is a primary special teamer.
That leaves one spot for Cooks and second-year WR Jordan Watkins. Watkins has been a healthy scratch the first two weeks and through his first season-plus as a pro he's seen action in only four games. Cooks last season played in 15 games between stints with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.
Watkins and Cooks will get three practices to prove to the coaching staff they deserve that fifth and final game day roster spot at wide receiver. We'll find out Saturday if the 49ers decide to elevate Cooks to the active roster from the practice squad.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan has 'no idea' when Brandin Cooks will play for 49ers
