The San Francisco 49ers apparently have found a running back to help them out with Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James sidelined. Former Arizona Cardinals running back Alfonso Smith announced on Instagram that he is now a member of the 49ers. There is no word from the 49ers as to Smith's status, or the corresponding move they would make to clear roster space.
The 49ers have their starter in Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde will be a solid backup option, and Jewel Hampton will get a chance to compete, but with Hunter and James out, and Marcus Lattimore still on the NFI list, the 49ers need more bodies. Smith played some running back for the Cardinals, and actually got some time in their rotation early on. By the end of his time with them, it appears he was primarily a special teams guy.
Way back in 2010, he measured in at his Pro Day at 6'1, 211 pounds, and ran a 4.38 40. He has not done a whole lot since then, but will get some opportunities in a very small backfield. I would not be surprised if Smith and Hampton ended up as the preseason workhorse backs.
I am still doing some research into Smith. I came across this from 2011. I'll keep looking for more details, and I have emailed our Cardinals blog for more details on Smith.