49ers releasing veteran wide receiver Sanu
Mohamed Sanu’s 49ers career is over before it really got started. Barely three weeks after signing the 31-year- old wide receiver, the 49ers announced Tuesday he’s been released.
Sanu, who was brought aboard as an insurance policy for an injury ravaged receiving corps, wound up playing just 40 snaps in three games with San Francisco, including seven on Sunday night. His only catch was a 9-yarder in a win over the Giants a week ago.
The nine-year veteran became expendable this week with the impending return of both Deebo Samuel and Richie James Jr. off injured reserve. Samuel, who had off-season foot surgery, returned to practice last week.
In addition, first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk’s emergence the past two weeks lessened the need for Sanu, whose resume — now 404 catches for 4,516 yards and 26 touchdowns in nine years — has been more impressive than his recent production.
It became clear Sanu was the seventh receiver for a 49ers squad that only had room for six. The 49ers also released tight end Charlie Taumoepeau from the practice squad.
FITZPATRICK TO START FOR DOLPHINS >> The Miami Dolphins will start veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on the road Sunday against the 49ers, the team announced Tuesday. The calls are growing for the Dolphins (1-3) to turn to rookie Tua Tagovailoa, but coach Brian Flores said Monday he won’t be pressured into making the change.
Tagovailoa, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 draft, is coming off of surgery for a hip injury he suffered while playing for Alabama last season. He has yet to take a snap for the Dolphins.