The San Francisco 49ers added another runner to their banged-up backfield.
The Niners announced Tuesday they had signed free agent Travaris Cadet. Three teams had interest in the shifty back. Pierre Thomas was released in a corresponding move.
It's interesting timing for Cadet to join San Francisco -- on a bye this week. With Dion Lewis lost for the season in New England, there was speculation Cadet could rejoin the Patriots to help fill the void. Cadet spent this offseason with the Patriots and appeared in one contest before being cut in September.
In San Francisco, Cadet will have a chance to carve out a role with injuries to Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush (IR) and Mike Davis (IR Boomerang). The Niners leaned on journeyman Shaun Draughn (16 carries, 58 yards) in their Week 8 win. Cadet played a scat-back role in New Orleans in 2014 (38 receptions) and should find time as a pass-catching back in San Francisco.