According to Field Yates of ESPN, the San Francisco 49ers have claimed rookie cornerback Parnell Motley off of waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 49ers, who are dealing with a number of injuries in the secondary, have claimed CB Parnell Motley off of waivers from the Bucs. He can join the team after clearing the normal COVID-19 protocols.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 13, 2020
The Buccaneers signed Motley (6-0, 180) as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma. In four seasons with the Sooners, he registered 176 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, six interceptions, a touchdown, 33 pass breakups (fifth in school history), six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
As a senior, Motley earned first-team All-Big 12 honors from the media and second-team honors from conference coaches.
The Buccaneers waived Motley on Monday and was a candidate to be signed to Tampa Bay's practice squad. The 22-year-old defender made the 53-man roster and contributed exclusively on special teams in his two game appearances (Weeks 3 and 4).
The 49ers have been devastated by injuries at cornerback. Richard Sherman has not played since Week 1, Dontae Johnson (groin) was inactive on Sunday against the Dolphins, and Emmanuel Moseley has been attempting to return from a concussion he sustained in Week 3.
K'Waun Williams, the 49ers' primary slot corner, landed on short-term injured reserve with an ACL sprain. Ahkello Witherspoon played through a hamstring injury against the Dolphins after Brian Allen started and struggled in his first in-game action since 2018.
