Updated October 1, 2026: Brandin Cooks is on San Francisco‘s active roster after the 49ers promoted the veteran receiver from their practice squad Thursday.
The club also brought Malik Turner back to the practice squad and released receiver KhaDarel Hodge. Nick Wagoner reported that Hodge, who had a knee injury, was released with an injury settlement.
From a practice-squad option to a roster place
Cooks joined San Francisco’s practice squad on September 23. Thursday’s signing changes the status of that move: he now occupies a place on the 53-man roster as the 49ers prepare to face Denver.
The earlier version of this article examined the reported practice-squad agreement. The team has since confirmed both that signing and Cooks’ promotion. A starting assignment or a specific snap count has not been announced.
For San Francisco, the immediate benefit is another experienced receiver available for selection. For Cooks, the next question is how quickly that roster opportunity becomes a role in the offense.
October 2 update: Evans questionable after limited practice
Mike Evans returned to limited practice Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday with a rib injury. He is questionable for the October 4 home game against Denver and remains a game-time decision.
Cooks’ promotion provides another receiving option without settling Evans’ availability or either player’s workload. The 49ers say final game-day availability decisions will be announced 90 minutes before kickoff.
Turner returns as Hodge departs
Turner spent time on San Francisco’s practice squad and appeared in three games for the team in 2025. He was released on August 30 before returning Thursday. Hodge leaves after appearing in the first three games this season, with one reception for 18 yards.
For readers evaluating Cooks’ potential contribution, his actual routes, targets and snaps will be more useful than his name alone. The roster opening is confirmed; his workload still has to emerge on the field.
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