49ers re-sign CB Dontae Johnson with Sherman and Williams injuries

The San Francisco 49ers are banged up in the secondary. Safety Jaquiski Tartt is considered day-to-day as he recovers from fractured ribs. Starting cornerback Richard Sherman has a Grade 2 hamstring strain and will likely be out for a few weeks. Nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams is in the concussion protocol, and he can’t practice or obviously play until he’s been cleared.

All three players’ status remains uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers could activate Jason Verrett from injured reserve, but he either isn’t fully healthy yet, or the team doesn’t have confidence in him as we saw what happened in two plays against the Steelers. If Verrett is healthy, the 49ers could open his practice window, much like Kentavius Street, and then choose to activate Verrett after a week’s worth of practice.

Instead of going elsewhere, San Francisco is bringing back a familiar face. Cornerback Dontae Johnson will re-sign with San Francisco, per Adam Caplan. He was the fourth-round pick in 2014 by the team and was with them in training camp as well as one other short stint this season. Johnson will likely backup Ahkello Witherspoon and Emmanuel Moseley. It’s an easy decision to bring back Johnson as he knows what’s expected and knows the defense. On a short week, instead of giving a younger guy with more upside a chance and a crash course, the 49ers are rolling with Johnson.

If K’Waun Williams can’t go, expect D.J. Reed to fill in at slot.