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The most recent practice squad update for the San Francisco 49ers might end up being their most valuable. The team added Brandon Codrington, who spent the previous two seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Did the 49ers sign their Skyy Moore of 2026 on the practice squad? Brandon Codrington could be the 49ers annual buy low in August move that pays off all season. On the surface, Codrington has modest defensive numbers, but was an all-rookie returner. Then you connect the dots after reading that Jacob Cowing — the 49ers returner — was working on the side of practice on Monday as he recovers from a groin injury, and it makes sense why the 49ers would want to invest in Codrington. This job belonged to Skyy Moore a year ago. Kyle Shanahan seemed enamored with Moore’s ability to, for lack of a better word, hit the hole recklessly. If Cowing isn’t ready for Week 1, that leaves Deebo Samuel and Jordan Watkins as the returners. Deebo has proven to be a fantastic option, but he also may be involved in the offense more than anticipated after all of the injuries suffered at the position over the past month. It would be special teams coordinator Brant Boyer’s call. He’s seen Watkins and Codrington return. Boyer witnessed Codrington have an explosive return during his tenure with the Jets. That year, Codrington had multiple returns that led him to being in the top 5 in both punt and kickoff return average: That looks different than what we’ve seen, albeit in a smaller sample size, when Watkins has the ball in his hands as a returner. The team could elevate Codrington from the practice squad up to three times. If he’s impressed enough by then, the Niners would be forced to sign Codrington to the active roster. If not, ideally, Cowing is healthy, and you have your original returner back. You’re always evaluating and trying to improve your team. That’s what this move would be for the 49ers if they feel like Codrington offers more as a returner than Watkins — or Cowing, for that matter. The team bought low on Moore last year, and it paid off. A few years ago, they did the same with Tashaun Gipson, and that ended up being one of the most important moves of the year. They’re hoping for similar results this time around with Codrington.