SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Will Tukuafu departed the San Francisco 49ers three months ago as more of a defensive tackle than a fullback.
Now it appears he returns as a fullback. The 49ers announced they signed Tukuafu and he is listed as a fullback. He takes the place of starting fullback Bruce Miller on the roster. Miller was placed on injured reserve.
It is doubtful Tukuafu will take Miller’s spot in the lineup. That will likely go to reserve running back Anthony Dixon. The 49ers can also use tight end Derek Carrier in the role.
The 49ers listed Tukuafu as a fullback only. Most of his NFL experience is at defensive tackle. He played minimally at fullback, but the 6-foot-4, 293-pounder is a blocking weapon in short-yardage situations. Expect Tukuafu to give the 49ers another option as they adjust to playing without Miller, who was on the field for nearly 60 percent of the snaps this season.