San Francisco Sign Popular Former 2nd-Round Wide Receiver As Injuries Add Up
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Dante Pettis is heading back to the San Francisco 49ers eight years after the team selected him in the second round with the No. 44 pick. The veteran wide receiver will rejoin the organization that launched his NFL career.
He completed a workout with the club on Tuesday and is expected to join the practice squad pending a physical.
Injuries Force 49ers To Look For Familiar Help
The 49ers have dealt with a string of receiver injuries this season. Mike Evans remains day-to-day with a rib issue while several other wideouts sit on injured reserve.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported the reunion.
A league source later confirmed the move to NBC Sports Bay Area. The team worked out multiple receivers on Tuesday, including Brenden Rice and Malik Turner, but settled on the familiar face.
Pettis originally joined San Francisco as the 44th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of Washington. He recorded 38 catches for 576 yards and seven touchdowns across three seasons with the 49ers before moving on.
Since leaving, he has appeared for the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and Chicago Bears. His career totals sit at 92 receptions for 1,231 yards and 13 touchdowns over 66 games.
The addition gives Kyle Shanahan a player who already understands the offense and can contribute quickly if elevated. The Niners have faced several tough situations to start the season.
After a busy offseason, injuries struck again, leaving them in a complex position three weeks into the season.
Timing Aligns With Ongoing Roster Needs
San Francisco faces a challenging stretch and needs reliable depth at the position. The practice squad signing offers a low-risk option who knows the system.
Other free-agent names continue to generate interest around the league, including speculation that teams could pursue high-profile options such as Tyreek Hill, who has hinted at signing with the NFC Wet powerhouse.
For now, the 49ers have prioritized a player with prior experience in their building. Pettis must still pass his physical before the deal becomes official.
Further updates on the receiver room are expected later this week as the team prepares for its next contest.
