New 3rd-string QB as 49ers sign Eason to practice squad

There's a new No. 3.

The San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Jacob Eason to their practice squad Tuesday and released Kurt Benkert, who had been serving as their de facto third-string QB behind Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Brock Purdy.

Eason, 24, who worked out for the 49ers on Monday, is a 2020 fourth-round pick who has had stints with the Colts, Seahawks and Panthers. He was released by Carolina on Nov. 7 and had a workout with the Cowboys on Friday.

Eason, 6-foot-6 and 231 pounds, has completed 5 of 10 passes for 84 yards with two interceptions in his career. He relieved Carolina starter P.J. Walker in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 loss to the Rams on Oct. 16 and completed 3 of 5 passes for 61 yards and threw a pick.

The 49ers signed Benkert, 27, to their practice squad Sept. 20.

The 49ers also signed wide receiver Dazz Newsome to their practice squad and released wideout Tajae Sharpe. Newsome, a 2021 sixth-round pick of the Bears, had two catches for 23 yards and six punt returns for 75 yards in three games as a rookie. He was released from the Chiefs' practice squad Nov. 3.