49ers sign former Cardinals RB Alfonso Smith

Former Arizona Cardinals runningback Alfonso Smith signs with the 49ers (Wikipedia photo)

SANTA CLARA, California — The San Francisco 49ers have signed former Arizona Cardinals running back Alfonso Smith to a one-year deal.

The 49ers waived injured guard Fouimalo Fonoti on Tuesday to make room for Smith on the roster.

Smith’s signing comes after injuries to primary backups Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James in the last week. Hunter is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and James will be sidelined indefinitely with a left elbow injury.

Smith spent the past four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals after a collegiate career at Kentucky. He had 48 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns in 43 games for Arizona. He also had 13 tackles on special teams.

Fonoti signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in May.