49ers Promote Brandin Cooks to Active Roster Ahead of Broncos Game

The San Francisco 49ers have promoted veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the active roster, a move that signals his anticipated debut for the team on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Cooks, a 13-year veteran, joined the 49ers' practice squad last week.

Cooks takes the roster spot previously held by KhaDarel Hodge, who was released. Hodge, who also contributed on special teams, had been dealing with a knee issue and appeared on the injury report this week.

The 49ers also filled the vacant spot on their practice squad by re-signing wide receiver Malik Turner. Turner participated in the team's training camp and played in three games last season.

Cooks' last NFL appearance was in 2025 with the Buffalo Bills, where he joined the team and contributed to their postseason run after being waived by the New Orleans Saints. He is nearing a career milestone, needing only 189 receiving yards to reach 10,000 for his career. He had reportedly been waiting for the right opportunity to join a team this season.

Cooks, who grew up in Stockton, California, roughly two hours east of Santa Clara, has expressed a childhood affinity for the 49ers. His addition comes as the team has been significantly impacted by injuries at the receiver position. Mike Evans sustained a rib injury last week, becoming the fifth receiver to be sidelined since training camp began, though he may still be able to play Sunday. Hodge's injury would mark the sixth receiver to be impacted.

Currently on injured reserve for the 49ers are Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson. The team also recently signed former second-round pick Dante Pettis to their practice squad to help address the depth issues.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Cooks has been quick to learn the team's playbook. "He picked it up real fast last week and I’m sure it’ll only be easier this week," Shanahan said Wednesday.