The 49ers have added a former first-round pick to their practice squad. San Francisco announced that they’ve signed veteran cornerback Darqueze Dennard to the taxi squad. The 49ers also added veteran running back Brian Hill and released punter Colby Wadman.
Dennard was a first-round pick by the Bengals back in 2014. While he ended up spending six seasons in Cincinnati, he started only 24 of his 77 games. He caught on with the Falcons in 2020, finishing with 36 tackles in eight games (six starts). He’s had stints with the Cardinals, Colts and Giants in 2021, with his only snaps coming in Week 16 with New York. 49ers defensive backs Jimmie Ward and Dontae Johnson recently landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so there’s a chance Dennard sees some reps during San Francisco’s regular-season finale.
Hill had a career-high 664 yards from scrimmage with the Falcons in 2020, but he’s been unable to hold a gig in 2021. The 26-year-old has spent time with the Titans, Browns and 49ers, but he didn’t take the field for any of those squads. RB Raheem Mostert was recently placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, putting his availability for Sunday in doubt.
Waldman joined the 49ers in late December. Regular punter Mitch Wishnowsky has since cleared reserve/COVID-19 lists, leading to Waldman’s release.
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