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The San Francisco 49ers filled an open practice squad spot on Wednesday, signing defensive back Trovon Reed to the ten-man squad. The 49ers had an open spot after promoting Tyvis Powell this past week. Powell was promoted because Greg Mabin was dealing with a calf injury. This move suggests Powell will stay on the active roster in Week 16.
Filling out the practice squad provides the team with some opportunities when the season comes to a close. Once a team’s season ends, they can begin signing players to reserve/future contracts. Those go to players who were not on a 53-man roster at the end of the season. The 49ers will likely sign some of their practice squad players to these kinds of deals in the few days after the close of the season.
In the meantime, here is a rundown on Reed, courtesy of 49ers PR.
Reed (6-0, 191) originally entered the NFL after signing with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent on August 4, 2015. Following his release from the Rams on September 5, 2015, he was signed to the team’s practice squad. He would later spend time on both the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks practice squads in 2015. Last season, he was waived by the Seahawks following training camp and later signed with the San Diego Chargers practice squad on October 26, 2016. He was promoted to the Chargers active roster on November 22, 2016, where he appeared in each of the team’s final six games of the season (one start) and registered eight tackles, three passes defensed and two interceptions.
In 2017, Reed was waived by the Chargers on September 2. He was signed to the Seahawks practice squad on November 14 and released by the team on December 12.
A 26-year-old native of Thibodaux, LA, Reed attended Auburn University where he appeared in 49 games (four starts) and transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback as a senior in 2014. He finished his career with 12 tackles, four passes defensed and three interceptions on defense while recording 39 receptions for 384 yards and one touchdown on offense.