While questions about one 49ers wide receiver have been raised with the investigation of Michael Crabtree, the promotion of another wideout to the roster does not seem to be related.
Crabtree is being investigated in connection with a sexual assault, though no charges have been filed. What that means for his participation in today’s NFC Championship Game isn’t clear, but the 49ers did add another wideout.
They promoted Chad Hall from their practice squad, to fill the roster spot created by cutting extra kicker Billy Cundiff.
Hall may not even be active for today’s game, even though they have just four other receivers on the roster. According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, Hall earned the promotion by virtue of a league rule which requires third-year practice squad players to be promoted if a spot is available on the 53-man roster on game day.
The 49ers released Hall from the practice squad earlier this year so they didn’t have to activate him for the same reason, re-acquiring him the next week.