49ers place DT Carradine on IR

Tank Carradine, who had finally found a home on the 49ers defensive line, is now on the shelf. The 49ers placed Carradine, 27, on injured reserve today after he sustained a high ankle sprain in last week's loss to the Rams. Carradine is a likely candidate for short-term IR, meaning he could return this season but he must be sidelined for the next eight weeks. Carradine and defensive tackle Ronald Blair (thumb) are both expected to return from IR. Carradine, 27, has seven tackles this season and one of the 49ers' three sacks. With Carradine out, rookie Solomon Thomas is expected to assume his starting spot. Thomas has played 128 snaps this season; Carradine has 81.