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SANTA CLARA – Nick Moody will get his first career start at inside linebacker, as Chris Borland is expected to be out for the 49ers’ final two games of the season.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said it’s “a stretch” to think that Borland will be able to return from an ankle sprain he sustained on the final play of the first half on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
[MAIOCCO: 49ers injury update: Borland, Hyde scheduled for MRIs]
Moody played the second half at the “jack” linebacker position and was credited with five tackles in the 49ers’ 17-7 loss to the Seahawks. Moody will play, alongside “mike” linebacker Michael Wilhoite on Saturday night against the San Diego Chargers.
The 49ers signed Desmond Bishop to serve as the team’s No. 3 inside linebacker.
“We just got do our best to get him acclimated to the system,” Fangio said of Bishop. “.He’s going to have to do a great job of studying. Obviously, his work day is going to be a lot longer than anybody else’s -- not on the field, per se, but studying in the class room and watching tape and learning what he needs to learn to out and play for us on Saturday, if needed.”
[RELATED: 49ers sign LB Desmond Bishop]
The 49ers signed Bishop, a seven-year veteran, instead of promoting rookie linebacker Shayne Skov from the practice squad.
“The front office looked at the possibilities and wanted to go this route right now,” Fangio said.
