49ers sign former Rams wide receiver to the practice squad

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The San Francisco 49ers continue to shuffle the deck at wide receiver. Xavier Smith, who played against the 49ers in Week 1 when he was with the Rams, was added to the practice squad. Smith served as the Rams' punt and kickoff returner for the first three weeks of the season.

The corresponding move was to place Dante Pettis, who is dealing with a calf injury, on the practice squad injured reserve.

Smith, 5'9'', 180 pounds, had been with the Rams since 2024. He was waived by Los Angeles on October 2. He's speedy. Smith ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at Florida A&M's Pro Day.

This move tells me that the 49ers want to surround their core passing targets, Mike Evans and George Kittle, with as much speed as possible. Of course, the plan probably isn't to play Smith, but they've only worked out or signed guys who can run or have return experience at wide receiver.

Smith has extensive experience as a returner. Jacob Cowing has fair caught the majority of his returns so far. But Smith also muffed a huge punt in the playoffs last year. Cowing had a big return this year, but it was called back.

We should have injury news shortly, as Kyle Shanahan will address the media ahead of Wednesday's practice.