Nathan

Palmer

He was signed off the 49ers’ practice squad. An undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois, Palmer made six catches for 93 yards during the preseason. Although he’ll be limited to special teams, Palmer’s promotion bodes poorly for Austin Collie’s (knee) status.

It’s high praise with T.Y. Hilton on the roster. Palmer was plucked off the 49ers’ practice squad in September and appeared in five games, registering just one catch. At 5-foot-11, 195, he caught 47 passes for 695 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior at Northern Illinois in 2011. With Donnie Avery and Austin Collie set for free agency, Palmer will compete for an increased role in 2013.

Palmer was active just five times last season, but kept his roster spot after being promoted from the practice squad in September. In January, GM Ryan Grigson called Palmer “about as explosive a receiver we have.” He struggled to stay healthy this preseason, however, catching just one pass in two games.

Palmer is a third-year undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois. He caught one pass in five games for the Colts in 2012. A 2013 sixth-round pick of the Colts, Boyett got busted on drinking-related charges shortly before Week 1, and was waived.

Painter’s lone regular-season appearances came with the Colts in 2012. Bibbs showed well in the preseason (19/84/3), and should be ticketed for the practice squad.

Palmer, a practice squadder, takes the place of suspended Wes Welker on the active roster. A 5'11/198 former UDFA out of Northern Illinois, Palmer will compete to dress Sunday as a sixth receiver.