The 49ers have signed an “intelligent” veteran WR to their 53-man roster.
San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver Chris Conley to the 53-man roster and placed Ray-Ray McCloud on the IR. The team also brought up running back Jeremy McNichols and veteran safety Erik Harris with standard practice-squad elevations. McCloud, the team’s top kick and punt returner, will be out for the remainder of the regular season. In Week 13, the 49ers had rookie Ronnie Bell returning punts and star receiver Deebo Samuel returning kicks. The team juggled the back end of its roster to secure depth ahead of a big game against the Seahawks.
The 49ers have announced the injury of quarterback Kyle Shanahan, who was limited on Wednesday but did not feel great. Shanahan said they need to be cautious with McCloud, who had multiple rib injuries. Chris Conley, a talented receiver, has been elevated to the 49ers practice squad but has not recorded any stats. Conley has played 19 offensive snaps and nine special teams snaps in his three games. In 2018, Kansas City coach Andy Reid praised Conley for his intelligence and hard work, despite his impressive vertical leap record. However, the Chiefs allowed Conley to walk despite five touchdown catches in 2018.
In 2019, McNichols signed with Jacksonville and caught 47 passes for 775 yards and five touchdowns. His career ended with stints with Houston, Kansas City, and the Titans. The 49ers recently revealed their RB hierarchy, with McNichols being a top pick. The team also released Tyrion Davis-Price, a former third-round pick, to make room for Logan Ryan and re-sign him to the practice squad. However, with Elijah Mitchell’s knee injury, the 49ers chose McNichols over Davis-Price, bringing him into the practice squad.
Davis-Price, the 93rd pick in the 49ers’ draft, has been released, cleared waivers, and is on the practice squad in favor of veteran journeyman McNichols. He has not appeared in a game since 2021 and has 40 carries for 120 yards in his two-year career. Sean Deveney, a veteran sports reporter with over two decades of experience, has written for Heavy.com since 2019 and has written for the NBA for 17 years. Deveney has also written seven nonfiction books, including “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.”
