Story by
49ers sign former Rams WR after 4-0 start
- Story by
- 49ers sign former Rams WR after 4-0 start
The San Francisco 49ers are not waiting around to address their wide receiver depth as they prepare for the next stage of an unbeaten season.
Kyle Shanahan's team has already made several adjustments at the position this year, and another move now adds a familiar NFC West name to the mix.
Advertisement
MORE: NFL power rankings entering Week 5: All 32 teams ranked worst to first
49ers add former Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith to practice squad
NFL: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19). Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images.
The 49ers have signed former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith to their practice squad, continuing the team's ongoing shuffle at wide receiver.
Smith became available after the Rams waived him on October 2. Los Angeles had used the 29-year-old primarily as its punt returner through the first three games of the season, but the team decided to move in a different direction after evaluating its special-teams production.
Advertisement
Smith originally joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M in 2023. He spent his rookie season on Los Angeles' practice squad before becoming more involved as a return specialist over the following seasons. Through three games in 2026, he recorded seven punt returns for 69 yards and seven kickoff returns for 144 yards.
MORE: NFL reverses course on controversial Kyle Juszczyk fine
San Francisco continues reshaping its wide receiver depth
The move gives San Francisco another player with NFL experience as the organization manages a crowded injury situation at wide receiver. Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, De'Zhaun Stribling and Christian Kirk have all dealt with significant availability issues, while Mike Evans has also been limited by injury .
Advertisement
The 49ers have already responded with multiple moves. Brandin Cooks was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster last week, while Malik Turner was added to the practice squad and KhaDarel Hodge was released with an injury settlement. Dante Pettis was also signed to the practice squad on September 30.
The 49ers will put their 4-0 record on the line against the Seahawks on Sunday, October 11, at Lumen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET, with FOX carrying the NFC West matchup.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
