:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57188841/470147356.0.jpg)
The San Francisco 49ers lost Arik Armstead to a broken hand on Sunday, and they are already working to add some depth. Free agent defensive tackle Tony McDaniel has signed with the 49ers, according to his agent, David Canter.
McDaniel stands 6’7, 305 pounds, and has 12 years experience in the NFL. Armstead played a mix of defensive end and defensive tackle. It seems likely that McDaniel will work primarily as an interior defensive tackle in the 49ers sub packages. DeForest Buckner and Earl Mitchell are the primary defensive tackles in the base defense.
Solomon Thomas saw the most notable increase in playing time on Sunday after Armstead got hurt. It remains to be seen if Thomas will remain primarily on the edge, or if he will rotate inside on passing downs.
The 49ers will need to clear a roster spot for McDaniel. If they decide to place Armstead on injured reserve, that will clear up a roster spot. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport tweeted that Armstead is expected to miss four to six weeks with his hand injury. If the 49ers think he can return, placing him on injured reserve to eventually return this season would require he miss eight weeks.