The San Francisco 49ers have added another wide receiver to their roster following the hamstring injury to Jacob Cowing during Wednesday's practice. The team announced the signing of veteran wideout Quintez Cephus to a one-year deal. He was one of six wide receivers who worked out for the 49ers earlier this week.
To make room for Cephus, the 49ers waived running back Israel Abanikanda.
This move comes just days after San Francisco signed Equanimeous St. Brown, emphasizing the team's focus on bolstering depth at wide receiver amid early training camp injuries.
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Cephus (6-1, 208) was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. Throughout his five-year NFL career with the Lions (2020-24), Buffalo Bills (2024), Houston Texans (2024) and Los Angeles Rams (2024-25), he has appeared in 22 games (six starts) and registered 37 receptions for 568 yards (15.4 average) and four touchdowns. In 2024, Cephus spent time on the Rams practice squad.
A 27-year-old native of Macon, GA, Cephus attended the University of Wisconsin for four years (2016-19) where he appeared in 38 games and registered 93 receptions for 1,496 yards (16.1 average) and 13 touchdowns.
Abanikanda (5-10, 216) was claimed off waivers by San Francisco on December 3, 2024.