The San Francisco 49ers have signed two players to their practice squad, per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. One is linebacker Buddy Johnson, a fourth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. The other is offensive lineman Leroy Watson, a converted tight end who initially joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons.
49ers signed Buddy Johnson and Leroy Watson to practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 5, 2022
Johnson appeared in four games with the Steelers last season, registering two tackles. He recorded a career-high 85 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, an interception, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles during his senior year at Texas A&M in 2020.
Watson registered a combined 25 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns in three seasons at UTSA, spending most of his time as a blocker.
The 49ers return to the practice field today at 10:53 a.m. They will open their regular season against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Update: Hours later, the 49ers officially announced the signing, providing the following rundowns for each player.
Johnson (6-3, 235) was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round (140th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. As a rookie in 2021, he appeared in four games and registered two tackles on special teams. Johnson was waived by Pittsburgh on August 30, 2022.
A 23-year-old native of Dallas, TX, Johnson attended Texas A&M University (2017-20) where he appeared in 47 games (23 starts) and registered 210 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
Watson (6-5, 270) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2022. He was waived by Atlanta on August 30, 2022.
A 24-year-old native of Snellville, GA, Watson attended the University of Texas at San Antonio (2019-21) after transferring from Hutchinson (KS) Community College. Watson appeared in 37 games (24 starts) as a tight end at UTSA and registered 25 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns.