49ers add veteran depth to defense; put Jason Verrett, Tayler Hawkins on IR

As Jason Verrett and Tayler Hawkins head to Injured Reserve, the 49ers added defensive depth to their practice squad by signing Terrance Mitchell and Sam Okuayinonu.

SANTA CLARA — Cornerback Terrance Mitchell, who spent two weeks in 49ers training camp, officially rejoined the team Wednesday to add veteran depth on their practice squad.

Mitchell, a 10th-year veteran, has not played since this season. The Sacramento native went on Injured Reserve in mid-August and was released with an injury settlement. He’s previously played with the Cowboys, Bears, Chiefs, Browns, Texans, and Titans.

Mitchell essentially replaces Jason Verrett, who signed with the 49ers a month ago but saw his comeback end last Thursday when he sustained a torn rotator cuff in practice. The 49ers also worked out veteran safety Casey Hayward earlier this week.

Also, the 49ers signed former Tenneesee Titans defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu to the practice squad’s other open spot, which was created with them placing safety Tayler Hawkins (wrist) on Injured Reserve with Verrett.

Safety George Odum, one of the 49ers’ premier special teams players, had his Injured Reserve evaluation window open Wednesday. The 49ers have three weeks to activate him to the 53-man roster. Odum has been out since requiring surgery to repaired a torn right biceps from the 49ers’ Thanksgiving night win in Seattle.

Odum’s ability to fill in at safety would be a great help, too. Starters Tashaun Gipson Sr. (quadriceps) and Ji’Ayir Brown (knee) did not play in Sunday’s regular-season finale.

The top-seeded 49ers (12-5) are idle in this week’s wild-card playoff round and will host the lowest-remaining seed on Jan. 20 or Jan. 21 in divisional-round action.