{
  "id": 12705511,
  "title": "49ers Add Former Matthew Stafford Weapon Amid Mounting WR Injuries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/49ers-add-former-matthew-stafford-weapon-amid-mounting-wr-injuries",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T20:28:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/49ers-add-former-matthew-stafford-weapon-amid-mounting-wr-injuries-12538011"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The San Francisco 49ers have bolstered their roster with the addition of wide receiver Xavier Smith to their practice squad, as per ESPN's Adam Schefter. This move is strategic in light of the team's mounting injury problems at the wide receiver position. Smith is expected to add depth to the 49ers' receiving corps, contributing his NFL experience to their efforts.\n\nSmith was recently released by the Los Angeles Rams, but he was able to secure his new opportunity with the 49ers just a week after being free of contract. During his brief tenure with the Rams this season, he didn't record a single reception in three games. His previous season with Rams' star quarterback Matthew Stafford saw him accumulate 18 receptions and 303 receiving yards.\n\nLooking ahead, Smith is eager to demonstrate his value on the 49ers' practice squad. A successful performance could put him on the path to promotion to the active roster. Over his three-year NFL career spanning 34 games, Smith has managed to secure 20 receptions and 309 receiving yards.",
  "summary": "The San Francisco 49ers have signed Xavier Smith to their practice squad as they deal with injury trouble.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}