Miami Dolphins' Malik Washington (6) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers' CJ West (99) in mid-air in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
Miami Dolphins’ Malik Washington (6) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers’ CJ West (99) in mid-air in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA — Defensive tackle C.J. West, after starting both of the 49ers’ wins, surprisingly went on Injured Reserve before Wednesday’s practice.
In the past few weeks, the 49ers put fellow defensive linemen Alfred Collins and Sam Okuayinonu on IR, where rookie James Thompson Jr. also may be headed after an ankle injury in Sunday’s 35-13 win over Miami. Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson’s high-ankle sprain that game also makes him an IR candidate.
In response, te 49ers signed defensive tackle Naquon Jones off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. Also, the 49ers confirmed they’ve added wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad, along with defensive lineman Viiami Fehoko Jr.
Jones is a 6-foot-3, 313-pound nose tackle who’s played 60 games and been with six franchises since 2021, when he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Michigan State.
West started both games this season at defensive tackle next to Osa Odighizuwa, with Gracen Halton joining them in last Sunday’s lineup that featured a five-linemen front. West ranks last among 120 defensive tackles by Pro Football Focus.
The 49ers’ practice squad has three defensive tackles: Kevin Givens, McKinnley Jackson and Sebastian Valdez. Cornerback Jakob Robinson was waived from the practice squad Wednesday.
San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) salutes the crowd as he leaves the field following their 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) salutes the crowd as he leaves the field following their 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 2: San Francisco 49ers' K'Waun Williams (24) tackles Houston Texans' Brandin Cooks (13) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 2: San Francisco 49ers' K'Waun Williams (24) tackles Houston Texans' Brandin Cooks (13) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)