The 49ers have now used both of their IR-return slots this season. Both roster decisions involved defensive linemen.
San Francisco brought Tank Carradine off IR, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. He will take the place of the recently waived Ray-Ray Armstrong on the 49ers’ 53-man roster.
Ronald Blair already came off IR for the 49ers, and Carradine will now resume his work on the 1-9 team’s defensive front. A 2013 second-round pick, Carradine has a significant six-week stretch in front of him. The career backup is in a contract year and could be auditioning for another team at this juncture, considering new management is in place.
The Trent Baalke draft choice played in three 49ers games this season before going down with a high ankle sprain. This also ends Arik Armstead‘s season. Armstead broke his hand in October.
While Kyle Shanahan confirmed the team made the choice to prioritize a Carradine return due to Carradine going on IR before Armstead, and thus having more time to contribute upon returning, this ensures Armstead’s third season will include only six games. The former top-10 pick played in just eight last season. John Lynch offered praise for Armstead as a future piece recently. The 49ers have a fifth-year option decision on Armstead due in early May.