The San Francisco 49ers needed to find a replacement for Braylon Edwards after releasing him earlier in the week and they have promoted wide receiver Joe Hastings from the practice squad to take his place. According to an official release, Hastings (6-0, 185) originally signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent on July 27, 2011. He was released following training camp and was signed to the 49ers practice squad on September 4.
A 24-year old native of Wichita, KS, Hastings starred collegiately at Washburn University where he played in 35 games (14 starts), and hauled in 119 receptions for 2,033 yards and 17 TDs during his career. Hastings will wear No. 13 on Sunday.
Due to the lack of depth in the organization among wide receivers, the team will likely give Hastings a tryout of sorts against the Rams to see if he is capable of filling in for the playoffs. Due to Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams being injured, the 49ers will likely go with Michael Crabtree, Brett Swain and Joe Hastings as their starting receivers. If one of them get injured, well, it could get ugly in San Francisco.
Should Hastings not cut it on Sunday, the 49ers are rumored to have a veteran WR waiting in the wings to replace him in the playoffs. With the practice squad being more and more involved with the team, one has to wonder if the change will affect team chemistry, especially if they bring in an outsider to fill in for Hastings.
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