The San Francisco 49ers announced a pair of practice squad moves, while downgrading wide receiver Jacob Cowing’s game status from questionable to out.
Wide receiver Malik Turner was elevated from the practice squad. Turner played 17 offensive snaps this season. The majority of those came when Jauan Jennings was inactive. Turner played a total of 42 snaps in three games this season.
Ricky Pearsall didn’t practice this week. The 49ers elevating a wide receiver is a hedge against Pearsall’s availability. It’s usually a tell that the position will be down one come game time. If Pearsall can’t play or is limited, it’ll be interesting to see whether Skyy Moore has a bigger role on offense as a sparkplug.
Turner’s lack of usage as a wide receiver this season suggests he’s not going to have a coming-out party on Wild Card weekend. His impact will be felt on special teams.
The 49ers also elevated linebacker Jalen Graham from the practice squad. Tatum Bethune and Luke Gifford were big-time special teamers. Turner is big, athletic, and fast enough to play special teams. Expect Graham and Turner to swap out for Bethune and Gifford if he can’t play.
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