49ers add Xavier Smith to practice squad; Dante Pettis placed on practice-squad injured list
San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver Xavier Smith to the practice squad and placed wide receiver Dante Pettis on the practice-squad injured list, according to the team’s transaction log posted Oct. 7 on ESPN. Those moves capped a busy first week of October for the 49ers. The additions give the 49ers more depth at receiver while preserving Pettis’s roster rights as he recovers.
On Oct. 6, the 49ers signed defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko Jr. to the practice squad. On Oct. 3, San Francisco waived Fehoko from the active roster and signed defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez to the practice squad. The club also elevated veteran defensive end Matt Judon and wide receiver Malik Turner to the active roster that day.
On Oct. 1, the 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the active roster and released wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge. The club signed Malik Turner to the practice squad that day as well. The team designated defensive end Mykel Williams to return from the physically unable to perform list.
NFL Sports Blog Take
These transactions reflect the 49ers’ focus on roster flexibility and depth at receiver and along the defensive front. Signing Brandin Cooks and elevating Malik Turner show the team will rely on experienced receiving options. Moves involving Viliami Fehoko Jr., Sebastian Valdez and Matt Judon indicate the 49ers are adjusting front-seven personnel in response to availability and matchup needs. Placing Dante Pettis on the practice-squad injured list preserves his roster rights while the club manages his recovery.