The San Francisco 49ers are signing veteran wide receiver Devin Funchess to the practice squad after a workout, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The #49ers are signing veteran WR Devin Funchess to the practice squad, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 23, 2021
Earlier today, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reported that the Miami Dolphins had signed defensive back Will Parks from the 49ers' practice squad, leaving a spot open.
Dolphins place Brennan Scarlett, Jamal Perry on IR, signed Will Parks off 49ers' practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 23, 2021
The NFL transaction wire shows that the 49ers have terminated the contract of practice squad wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. He had been waived with an injury settlement on August 25 and then re-signed to the practice squad on November 3.
San Francisco has protected the following three practice squad players this week.
- LB Tyrell Adams
- DB Davontae Harris
- TE Tanner Hudson
The Carolina Panthers made Funchess (6-4, 225) a second-round draft pick out of Michigan in 2015. While with the Green Bay Packers, he opted out of last season due to concerns over COVID-19. In August, the Packers placed the receiver on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury and later released him.
Earlier this year, Funchess was part of some controversy after making a racially insensitive remark during a press conference. He later apologized on social media.
"I meant no harm, and those that know me, know I have love and respect for all cultures and people," Funchess wrote as part of the apology. "I will learn from this and will continue to grow as a person. I'm forever sorry!"
The wideout has recorded 164 receptions for 2,265 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns through five NFL seasons played, including his one-game campaign in 2019. Funchess' best season came in 2017 when he caught 63 passes for 840 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He followed that up with a 549-receiving-yard and four-touchdown campaign in 2018.
Funchess has not played in an NFL game since breaking his collarbone in Week 1 of the 2019 season while with the Indianapolis Colts.