The Mohamed Sanu era in San Francisco is coming to a close according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. The 49ers are set to release Sanu as their injury situation improves at wide receiver.
Acquiring a free agent receiver became a necessity after Week 1 when Richie James Jr. had to go on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury. Sanu’s familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s offense made him a logical, plug-and-play signing. He wound up playing 40 snaps across three games and caught one pass for nine yards. Sanu played only seven snaps vs. the Eagles in the game Deebo Samuel returned from IR.
Now James is set to come off IR after the requisite three week stay per Shanahan, and the need for a veteran receiver like Sanu who only contributes on offense has waned. The emergence of rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk as a multifaceted weapon likely played into the decision as well.
San Francisco will move forward with Samuel, Aiyuk, James, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis and Kendrick Bourne in the receiving corps assuming James comes off IR.