The 49ers on Sunday claimed former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Xavier Cooper off of waivers.
San Francisco already has 10 defensive linemen on their roster, but one of them, Ronald Blair, is expected to go on short-term injured reserve with a thumb injury.
Cooper, who was a third-round pick in 2015, is listed as a defensive end. But his 6-4, 300-lb. frame -- and the 49ers depth chart -- suggests he may play defensive tackle, or three technique, for the 49ers.
DeForest Buckner is the starter at that spot. But the linemen who played behind him this summer -- Chris Jones, Quinton Dial, Sen’Derrick Marks and others -- either were released or put on season-ending injured reserve.