The San Francisco 49ers have signed linebacker Terence Garvin to a one-year contract, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport. Garvin spent training camp with the Miami Dolphins, and was released on September 1st. Prior to that, he spent 2017 with the Seattle Seahawks, 2016 with Washington, and his first three seasons from 2013 to 2015 with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Garvin was a reserve strong side (SAM) linebacker for the Seahawks last year, starting three games, according to Matt Barrows. The 49ers placed Dekoda Watson on injured reserve last weekend, leaving starting SAM Mark Nzeocha without a backup. Garvin can serve as a reserve there, and likely as a reserve at inside linebacker. Brock Coyle is in the concussion protocol, and with Reuben Foster suspended one more week, Elijah Lee is the only backup linebacker.

The 49ers return to practice on Wednesday, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said they would fill their 53rd roster spot in time for that. Even though the 49ers are playing their next game in just a few days, Garvin seems a good bet to be active on Sunday if Coyle is inactive.