49ers activate Quinton Dial to assist depleted defensive line
San Francisco has had a rough go of it this year in the injury department.
Defensive tackle Ian Williams broke his ankle in the 49ers’ week two loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive end Aldon Smith is out indefinitely after entering rehab for alcohol abuse following a second DUI arrest, and has pending gun charges.
Ray McDonald has a banged up bicep and has missed practice, Justin Smith has a sore shoulder and missed practice, Glenn Dorsey appears unlikely to play Sunday… you get the point.
The 49ers waived wide receiver Chris Harper earlier this week – who was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers – creating an open roster spot.
In steps rookie defensive tackle Quinton Dial.
Dial was a 2013 draft choice of the 49ers – 5th round, 157th overall – out of Alabama. He was added to the roster on Saturday to help shore up the severely depleted line and to replace Harper, according to multiple reports.
Earlier in the week, head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke with CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco about Dial and fellow rookie lineman Tank Carradine.
“This is much like their first day in football,” Harbaugh said. “And, I’m sure that there’s some gravel in the gut there and some anticipation, excitement, nerves, all those things.”