The move comes after an MRI confirmed that starting cornerback Jason Verrett suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the 49ers' 41-33 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The team's other starting cornerback, Emmanuel Moseley, is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to contribute soon.
"We should get E-man back soon," Shanahan said today during a conference call. "I can't guarantee this week, but I'm holding out hope for it."
A week ago, San Francisco signed veteran cornerback Josh Norman to a one-year deal. After Sunday's game, head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that the team has been in communication with veteran Richard Sherman and his return remains a possibility.
The Bengals drafted Kirkpatrick (6-2, 190) out of Alabama with the No. 17 overall pick in 2012. He registered 56 tackles, seven passes defensed, and three interceptions through 14 games with the Arizona Cardinals last season.
Kirkpatrick, 31, has recorded 358 tackles, three sacks, 72 passes defensed, 13 interceptions, two touchdowns, and a forced fumble through his nine NFL seasons. He has appeared in 113 games with 78 career starts.
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