Niners fill roster spot with fullback signing

The 49ers this morning signed fullback David Kirtman (6-0, 238) off the Chargers’ practice squad to take the roster spot vacated when Zak Keasey was placed on injured reserve.

Kirtman was born in San Rafael, but attended high school in Mercer Island, Wash. The USC product spent 2006 and ’07 with the Seahawks, seeing action in six games. He landed on the Chargers’ practice squad this season.

Kirtman is familiar with the 49ers’ offensive terminology, having spent the summer with the Chargers. But coach Mike Nolan said he is not sure how long it will take Kirtman to put himself in a position to be part of the 45-man game day roster.

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PRELIMINARY INJURY REPORT: Safety Mark Roman (knee) and tackle Jonas Jennings (shoulder) are not scheduled to practice today. Linebacker Manny Lawson, as of now, is slated for limited practice. He has missed the past two games with a hamstring strain. Cornerback Donald Strickland (hip) is also scheduled for limited work. Cornerback Walt Harris and running back Frank Gore will take their usual Wednesday rest, though Gore is expected to see some action. The 49ers have yet to replace cornerback Shawntae Spencer, who underwent season-ending ACL surgery several weeks ago, on the 53-man roster.

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Nolan said he expects a physical game Sunday against the Giants, who have an offensive line that Nolan says is one of the best in the league. They also have 264-pound running back Brandon Jacobs. This remains a big question . . . if the 49ers are physical enough in their front seven to slow down Jacobs.

Nolan said the Giants’ offensive line — tackles David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie, guards Rich Seubert and Chris Snee, and center Shaun O’Hara — is so good because they play well together, they’re good technicians and they used their eyes and hands well. 

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