The San Francisco 49ers should have two key reinforcements make their team and season debuts in Week 4.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan more or less confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco
that newcomers Matt Judon and Brandin Cooks will have roles against the Denver Broncos because of how many players the team lost due to injuries. However, he isn't expecting the veterans to be major contributors in their first game with the team."By no means am I expecting anyone to take over, get the stats that people will notice," Shanahan said. "I'm just hoping that they can play their gap, play their man and not make mistakes so we give up a 30-yarder or something like that."
Judon, a four-time Pro Bowler, joined the practice squad this week after a Saturday
workout. In 10 seasons, he has 72 sacks and 95 tackles for loss in 145 games. His last productive year came in 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons under current 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris (5.5 sacks in 17 games). Last season, he didn't record a sack in 14 games with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
At receiver, Cooks was promoted from the practice squad Thursday after a week there. He was originally added when Demarcus Robinson suffered a high ankle sprain. With Mike Evans nursing a rib injury and the team's top five preseason receivers all hurt, Cooks is set to make his 49ers debut. Last season, he caught 24 passes for 279 yards in 15 games with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.
Both will be welcome additions. The 49ers won't have Nick Bosa or Mykell Williams on the defensive line, meaning Judon's experience will be crucial among a group of less experienced players. Cooks, meanwhile, will join a depleted receiver corps that could only include Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing alongside Deebo Samuel.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Matt Judon, Brandin Cooks expected to make 49ers debut in Week 4
