The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have signed S Darrick Forrest and TE Hayden Rucci to the practice squad and released WR Javon Baker from the team's practice squad. In addition, the team signed WR Colton Dowell to a Reserve/Future contract.
Forrest (5-11, 200) was originally drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. Throughout his five-year career with the Commanders (2021-25), Buffalo Bills (2025), Indianapolis Colts (2025) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2025), he has appeared in 40 games (17 starts) and registered 126 tackles, nine passes defensed, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2025, Forrest spent time on the Colts and Steelers practice squad before he was released by Pittsburgh on November 12.
A 26-year-old native of Columbus, OH, Forrest attended the University of Cincinnati (2017-21) where he appeared in 49 games (36 starts) and registered 165 tackles, 12 passes defensed, six interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Rucci (6-5, 247) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. Throughout his two-year career with the Dolphins (2024-26) and Detroit Lions (2025), he has appeared in four games. In 2025, Rucci spent time on the Dolphins practice squad and Lions active roster where he appeared in four games.
A 24-year-old native of Lititz, PA, Rucci attended the University of Wisconsin (2019-23) where he appeared in 36 games and registered 17 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown.
Baker (6-1, 202) originally signed to the team's practice squad on December 9, 2025.
Dowell (6-3, 212) was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round (228th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Throughout his three-year career with the Titans (2023-25) and Baltimore Ravens (2025), he has appeared in 10 games and registered one reception for three yards. In 2025, Dowell spent time on the Ravens practice squad before he was released on October 25.
A 26-year-old native of Lebanon, TN, Dowell attended Tennessee-Martin University (2019-23) where he appeared in 47 games and registered 177 receptions for 2,796 yards and 19 touchdowns to go along with two carries for nine yards.
