The San Francisco 49ers added a veteran Pro Bowl cornerback today ... to the practice squad. The team signed former second-round draft pick Janoris Jenkins.
During a conference call, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the timing of the signing. Jenkins, after all, has been available all season. So why now?
"Because he was willing to do it," Shanahan responded. "I don't think that was the case all year. We've been in contact with him for a little bit, and he was willing to do it. I've always been a fan of Janoris. I know most people have. He's played at a very high level in this league.
"To get a player who's been like that throughout his career to come to our practice squad, we felt pretty fortunate. I think he gets here today, possibly tomorrow. We'll see him out there [at practice on] Wednesday and start getting some looks at him."
Shanahan noted that Jenkins adds depth to the 49ers' cornerbacks room. In addition, Jenkins is a player who could be ready to enter a game on short notice, if needed.
"A number of DBs have played," Shanahan said. "We've had a couple hurt this year. We have outside guys. We have inside guys. So to have a veteran who can play and get him on our practice squad, we love that."
Shanahan added, "If he would have done it earlier, we would have done it [earlier]."