49ers add RB to practice squad, release S Tony Jefferson

The 49ers have some bad injury issues in their backfield, and for the second time this season they find themselves scrambling for depth. San Francisco on Wednesday announced running back Brian Hill was added to their practice squad. Safety Tony Jefferson was released in a corresponding move.

JaMycal Hasty is the only running back on the 49ers’ roster that practiced in full Wednesday. Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) was a limited participant. Elijah Mitchell (knee, concussion) and Trenton Cannon (concussion) were both absent from the session.

Hill, 26, was a fifth-round pick of the Falcons in 2017. Atlanta cut him during his rookie year and Cincinnati added him for six games. He rejoined the Falcons the following year and spent the next three seasons there. In four NFL seasons Hill has played in 45 games with three starts. He notched 982 yards and three touchdowns on 209 carries. The Titans signed Hill this offseason, but was let go at final roster cuts. He also spent time with the Browns practice squad in November.

There’s a good chance Hill is at least active Sunday and depending on Wilson’s knee he could see a role as the RB2 behind Hasty.

List

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