SANTA CLARA — In a move related to Justin Smith’s indefinite absence from the defensive line, the 49ers have promoted rookie defensive tackle Tony Jerod-Eddie from their practice squad instead of a wide receiver.

Jerod-Eddie takes the roster spot created by wide receiver Mario Manningham’s exit to the injured-reserve list. Manningham sustained a season-ending knee injury in Sunday’s 42-13 loss at Seattle.

The 6-foot-5, 301-pound Jerod-Eddie signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M and had three tackles in the exhibition season. He was signed to the practice squad a day after being among the 49ers’ final roster cuts before the season began.

Jerod-Eddie will add depth to a defensive line unit that’s recently been without Smith and Demarcus Dobbs, a reserve who was placed on injured reserve Dec. 11 with a leg injury.

Also, defensive tackle Will Tukuafu has been limited in practice — this week by a neck injury and last week by a concussion.

The 49ers also considered promoting a wide receiver from their practice squad to replace Manningham, those options being Chad Hall or Ricardo Lockette. However, A.J. Jenkins is expected to suit up and fill Manningham’s role as he did twice earlier this month.