The 49ers have made a change to their 53-man roster, signing running back Phillip Tanner and placing tight end Garrett Celek on the injured reserve list to make room for Tanner, the team announced today in a press release.
Tanner recorded 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries during three years with the Cowboys, along with 93 receiving yards on nine catches. The Middle Tennessee State product, who also contributed on special teams in 2013, spent time with the Colts and Cowboys this summer, but was ultimately waived by Dallas during roster cutdowns at the end of the preseason.
Tanner caught on with the Bills for about a month when Buffalo’s backfield was decimated by injuries, but didn’t get any touches during his stint with the club. In San Francisco, the 26-year-old will provide depth in the backfield, with Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde both ailing, and could get an opportunity to play on special teams as well, with Kassim Osgood done for the year.
Celek, who spent most of the year on San Francisco’s PUP list, appeared in three games, and caught two balls for 53 yards. He’ll be eligible for restricted free agency this offseason.