49ers release 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 offseason 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 production the past couple of seasons.
It became clear Sanu was the seventh receiver for a 49ers squad that only had room for six. Once Samuel and James officially return, the 49ers’ six-man receiving corps will also include Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis.
The Patriots traded for Sanu at the trading deadline last season and got 26 catches for 207 yards out of him in exchange for a second-round pick. He was released by the Patriots before the season started last month.
The 49ers also released tight end Charlie Taumoepeau from the practice squad.