With a depleted receiving corps the San Francisco 49ers added WR Joe Hastings from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.  Ted Ginn (ankle) and Kyle Williams (concussion) have not practiced all week so it’s highly unlikely they will play in the season finale against the Rams.  This forced the 49ers hand in adding a receiver to the 53-man roster as TE Delanie Walker will also be out with a broken jaw who served as a receiving threat for the offense.

Bringing Hastings up from the practice squad makes the most sense because he is familiar with the offense.  His impact will be greater than signing a free agent receiver who has not played all season and has no experience with the offense.  Hastings frame (6 feet, 185 pounds) is not the prototypical size you seek but his perseverance is what you want in a receiver.

The receiver was a walk-on at Division-II Washburn University in Topeka.  In his senior season in 2009, Hastings tore his ACL and his playing career looked over after three seasons with 32 receptions for 487 yards and two touchdowns.  He was able to receive a medical redshirt for that season and in 2010 set the single-season school records with 87 receptions and 1,546 receiving yards.  The undrafted free agent made the 49ers practice squad because of his quickness and hands, and he will get a chance to showcase his skills against the Rams.  With the 49ers offense desperate for receivers Hastings could be the number three receiver and will see plenty of throws coming his way in his first NFL start.