Free agent running back Pierre Thomas will sign with the 49ers, according to his agent.
Thomas visited with the team two weeks ago and again on Tuesday when he signed the deal. Thomas, 30, previously played for the Saints where he was primarliy used as a receiving back. He'll likely have a similar role in San Francisco since the team lost Reggie Bush for the season with a knee injury.
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Thomas might be the team's starting running back right away, considering the circumstances. He's a proven vet heading to a team whose starter, Carlos Hyde, is injured. There's no timetable for Hyde's return as he's dealing with a stress fracture in his left foot.
The only other running backs on San Francisco's roster are Mike Davis and recently promoted Kendall Gaskins, and Davis suffered a hand injury Sunday. The team waived Jarryd Hayne before signing him to the practice squad on Monday.
Thomas was released by the Saints in March and was not on a team during training camp or the preseason.
