The San Francisco 49ers are turning to a familiar face as injuries continue to thin out their wide receiver room.
San Francisco signed veteran wide receiver Dante Pettis to its practice squad Wednesday, bringing back the former second-round pick after more than five years away from the organization.
The move comes after the 49ers worked out several receivers, including former Notre Dame standout Brenden Rice, Malik Turner and Brady Boyd. Pettis ultimately earned another opportunity with the team that selected him 44th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Pettis spent his first three NFL seasons with San Francisco before the 49ers waived him during the 2020 season. He later played for the New York Giants, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.
The 30-year-old enters his return with 66 career games under his belt. He has recorded 92 receptions for 1,231 yards and 13 touchdowns during his NFL career.
The reunion makes sense for San Francisco because Pettis already has experience in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He also gives the 49ers another option with experience at the position while the team works through several injuries.
San Francisco has already lost Ricky Pearsall for the season after knee surgery, while Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson have also dealt with injuries. Mike Evans then suffered a rib injury during Sunday’s 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
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Evans was reportedly considered day-to-day after the injury, but his status for Week 4 remains worth monitoring. If he cannot play, the 49ers could once again be forced to work with a significantly different receiver rotation.
Pettis will initially have to earn his way onto the active roster, but his familiarity with the organization could help accelerate that process.
The 49ers are still 3-0 despite the injuries, but their decision to bring back Pettis shows just how quickly their receiver depth has been tested. With Week 4 approaching, San Francisco is adding another experienced option at a position that has suddenly become one of its biggest concerns.
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