Agent: Mohamed Sanu signing with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers struggled to get much going in their passing game in Week 1, and with Deebo Samuel sidelined for at least two more weeks, head coach Kyle Shanahan is looking to a familiar face for help. The 49ers are signing wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, according to his agent.

Sanu spent the second half of last season with the New England Patriots after the team acquired him from the Atlanta Falcons before the trade deadline. In 15 games between the two teams, he caught 59 passes for 520 yards and two touchdowns. Sanu injured his ankle in New England and while he played out most of the season, he was clearly not the same. The Patriots released him leading up to final roster cuts earlier this month.

Sanu spent the first four years of his career in Cincinnati before joining the Falcons. In his first year in Atlanta, his offensive coordinator was Kyle Shanahan. In 2016, Sanu had 59 receptions for 653 yards and four touchdowns.

The 49ers are desperate for wide receiver help with Deebo Samuel sidelined with a broken foot. In Week 1 against the Cardinals, Kendrick Bourne was the leading wide receiver on the team, with two receptions on five targets for 34 yards. Trent Taylor caught two passes for seven yards, and otherwise, that was it for the wide receivers. Jimmy Garoppolo focused on Raheem Mostert and George Kittle, but the addition of Sanu could add some veteran help.

Sanu is arriving in Santa Clara on Tuesday to begin Covid-19 testing. If he clears through the protocol, he would be available this weekend for the team’s Week 2 road game against the Jets. It remains to be seen if he’ll be ready by then, but given the 49ers’ barren depth chart at wide receiver, he should be on your radar. You shouldn’t necessarily waste a roster spot on him yet, but keep an eye out.