San Francisco 49ers

49ers Place CB Chris Davis on IR, Sign CB Jacorey Shepherd

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The San Francisco 49ers placed cornerback Chris Davis on injured reserve and signed cornerback Jacorey Shepherd on Monday.

The San Francisco 49ers made a couple of moves on Monday, per the team’s website.

San Francisco placed cornerback Chris Davis (knee) on injured reserve. And the Niners signed free-agent cornerback Jacorey Shepherd to a two-year deal.

#49ers signed CB JaCorey Shepherd to a two-year deal + placed CB Chris Davis on Injured Reserve.https://t.co/fQfWvAUTEP

— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice) October 10, 2016

Shepherd was a sixth-round draftee of the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2015. He redshirted his rookie season but was eventually released the following season. The 5-foot-11, 199-pound corner spent his collegiate years at Kansas and also doubled as a kick returner.

Davis started off the season as San Francisco’s primary nickel corner. And he also assumed kickoff-return duties — six for 129 net yards.

But Davis’ costly fumble on a return against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 certainly wasn’t a good look.

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Davis (43) reacts after forcing an incomplete pass against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at Levi

Davis eventually lost out on slot-coverage duties to fellow corner Keith Reaser, and Pro Football Focus has Davis with a 45.1 grade prior to his knee injury.

It’s not clear how San Francisco plans on using Shepherd just yet. In all likelihood, he’ll be the primary kick returner for special teams and may see time on defense. But the majority of nickel snaps probably end up going to Reaser, at least until fellow defensive back Jimmie Ward (quad) returns.

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San Francisco’s secondary has been one of the few areas of strength this season. The Niners defense has allowed just the 10th-fewest passing yards in the league (1,114) despite not having much of a pass rush.

But it’s worth noting opposing teams haven’t exactly needed to move the ball through the air over five weeks — four of which the 49ers have lost.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com andSports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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