The San Francisco 49ers officially announced the signing of cornerback Buster Skrine to a one-year deal. The team also opened the injured reserve practice windows for cornerback Davontae Harris and defensive lineman Maurice Hurst.
News of Skrine's signing was first reported yesterday by Adam Caplan of SiriusXM. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the cornerback turned down an offer to join the Baltimore Ravens practice squad because he wanted to be signed to an active roster.
49ers announce signing of veteran corner Buster Skrine. He turned down an offer to join Baltimore's practice squad because he wanted an active roster spot. He got one.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 29, 2021
Both Harris and Hurst were placed on injured reserve on September 1. Harris was dealing with a hamstring injury, while Hurst was dealing with an ankle injury. This is the first week they are eligible to return to practice.
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Skrine (5-9, 187) was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Throughout his 10-year NFL career with the Browns (2011-14), New York Jets (2015-18), and Chicago Bears (2019-20), he has appeared in 151 games (92 starts) and registered 545 tackles, 85 passes defensed, nine interceptions, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 3.5 sacks.
In 2020, Skrine appeared in 12 games (three starts) with Chicago and finished with 66 tackles, three passes defensed, and one forced fumble. He was released by the Bears on March 17, 2021.
A 32-year-old native of Woodstock, GA, Skrine attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (2007-10), where he appeared in 42 games (30 starts) and registered 155 tackles, 21 passes defensed, five interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.