The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with wide receiver Dante Pettis eight years after drafting him, adding a familiar veteran to an injury-depleted position group.

Pettis worked out for the 49ers Tuesday, and San Francisco plans to add him to the practice squad if he passes his physical. The move gives coach Kyle Shanahan another receiver who already knows the offense as the 49ers manage several injuries at the position. The veteran wideout provides the 49ers with additional receiver depth this week ahead of their Week 4 clash with the 2-1 Denver Broncos.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the signing Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after Pettis completed his workout.

“Reunion! The #49ers are signing WR Dante Pettis, eight years after selecting him in the 2nd-round of the 2018 NFL Draft, per sources.”

Reunion! The #49ers are signing WR Dante Pettis, eight years after selecting him in the 2nd-round of the 2018 NFL Draft, per sources.

Pettis is headed back to where his NFL journey began. pic.twitter.com/C1TIVP4VHK

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 29, 2026

Pettis is headed back to where his NFL journey began.

San Francisco selected Pettis 44th overall in 2018 after trading up for the Washington product. He caught 27 passes for 467 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie before his role diminished over the next two seasons.

The 49ers waived Pettis in November 2020. He later played for the New York Giants, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints before spending part of the 2026 offseason with the Buffalo Bills, who released him in August.

Pettis has appeared in 66 regular-season games, totaling 92 receptions for 1,231 yards and 13 touchdowns.

His return comes as the 49ers manage multiple injuries at receiver. Mike Evans is day-to-day with a rib injury, while Demarcus Robinson and De’Zhaun Stribling are on injured reserve and Ricky Pearsall is out for the season.

The reunion remains contingent on Pettis passing his physical, and San Francisco had not formally announced the transaction as of Tuesday evening.