Thomas visited with the team two weeks ago and again on Tuesday when he signed the deal. Thomas, 30, previously played for the Saints where he was primarliy used as a receiving back. He’ll likely have a similar role in San Francisco since the team lost Reggie Bush for the season with a knee injury.
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Thomas might be the team’s starting running back right away, considering the circumstances. He’s a proven vet heading to a team whose starter, Carlos Hyde, is injured. There’s no timetable for Hyde’s return as he’s dealing with a stress fracture in his left foot.
The only other running backs on San Francisco’s roster are Mike Davis and recently promoted Kendall Gaskins, and Davis suffered a hand injury Sunday. The team waived Jarryd Hayne before signing him to the practice squad on Monday.
Thomas was released by the Saints in March and was not on a team during training camp or the preseason.
