The San Francisco 49ers addressed their linebacker situation in one of their two practice squad additions on Tuesday.
The 49ers announced on Tuesday that they signed linebacker Chandler Wooten and offensive lineman Austen Pleasants to the team’s practice squad. In order to make room on the practice squad, San Francisco placed tight end Mason Pline on the Practice Squad Injured Reserve List.
The 49ers also waived cornerback Ambry Thomas from their Injured Reserve List.
Wooten originally entered the NFL after signing with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in May of 2022. During his three-year NFL career, Wooten has spent time on the Cardinals (2022) and Carolina Panthers‘ (2022-24) practice squads.
The 6-foot-3, 230 pound linebacker has appeared in 20 games with the Panthers, tallying 11 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Thus far in 2024, Wooten played in three games with the Panthers where he totaled six tackles prior to being released from Carolina’s practice squad on Nov. 7.
The 25-year-old native of Acworth, Ga., attended Auburn where he appeared in 43 games, started nine and registered 137 tackles. Wooten also totaled five passes defensed and a pair of interceptions at Auburn.
Pleasants began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in April of 2020. During his five-year NFL career, Pleasants has seen stints on the Jacksonville (2020), Carolina (2021-22), Los Angeles Chargers (2022-24), Chicago Bears (2023-24) and Arizona Cardinals’ practice squads.
In 2024, Pleasants spent time on the Chargers, Cardinals and Bears’ practice squads prior to being released from Chicago’s practice squad on Dec. 3.
A 27-year old, Pleasants hails from Ironton, Ohio, and attended the University of Ohio (2015-18) where he appeared in 28 games and started 20.
Pline originally signed with San Francisco’s practice squad on Aug. 28, 2024.
Thomas was drafted by the 49ers with the 102nd overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft. Thomas appeared in 42 games, made 11 starts and accumulated 65 tackles, 12 passes defensed, two interceptions returned for touchdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Thomas also made five postseason appearances with the 49ers, including four starts. The 6-foot, 190 pound cornerback registered 21 tackles and one pass defensed in his postseason action with San Francisco.
