SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers waived/injured rookie offensive guard Fouimalo Fonoti on Tuesday to make room for the signing of running back Alfonso Smith, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals.
Fonoti, an undrafted rookie from Michigan State, sustained a significant left knee injury during practice on Sunday. If Fonoti clears waivers, he will revert back to the 49ers’ injured reserve list.
Smith was signed after injuries to 49ers running backs Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James. Hunter is likely out for the season with a torn right ACL. James is expected to miss approximately a month after sustaining a dislocated left elbow in Sunday’s practice.
[RELATED: 49ers sign Smith to one-year deal]
In 43 NFL games, all with the Cardinals, Smith gained 156 yards on 48 rushing attempts. He was core special-teams player with the Cardinals.
Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde, Jewel Hampton and Smith are the only healthy running backs on the 49ers' 90-man roster.
