ST. LOUIS -- The 49ers on Saturday promoted undrafted rookie wide receiver Joe Hastings to the club's 53-man roster to make him eligible to play Sunday in the regular-season finale against the St. Louis Rams.
Hastings, 24, takes the roster spot that opened when the 49ers cut ties with under-performing veteran Braylon Edwards this week.Hastings is likely to be in uniform against the Rams, joining Michael Crabtree and Brett Swain. Hastings wears No. 13.It remains uncertain whether Ted Ginn (ankle) or Kyle Williams (concussion) will be available for action. A decision must be made 90 minutes prior to kickoff when the 46 players in uniform must be designated.Hastings originally signed with the 49ers on July 27 after the lockout. He was among five rookie receivers in 49ers camp. He distinguished himself to the coaches, and eventually earned a spot on the 49ers' practice squad over sixth-round draft pick Ronald Johnson of USC.Hastings did not catch a pass for the 49ers during their four exhibition games."We get a sense, day-in and day-out, out here," 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said of practices. "When you go out and play in the game, now is when it's got to show up. From what we've seen on the practice field, he's done everything we've asked him to do at a high level."Hastings starred collegiately at Washburn University, an NCAA Division II school, where he played in 35 games (14 starts), and hauled in 119 receptions for 2,033 yards and 17 TDs during his career.
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