SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The season officially ended for San Francisco 49ers guard Dave Fiore Wednesday when he was placed on injured reserve.
San Francisco's most versatile offensive lineman, Fiore tore a knee ligament during Sunday's 20-10 win over the Washington Redskins. The 28-year-old Fiore was hurt while trying to tackle cornerback Champ Bailey following an interception.
It was originally hoped that Fiore would be back in as early as 10 weeks, but the team instead placed him on IR.
The 49ers received more encouraging news Wednesday on the status of linebacker Jamie Winborn, who also sustained a knee injury on Sunday and is expected to miss from five to eight weeks.
The 49ers announced that an exam Tuesday revealed that the injury to Winborn's MCL was "tightening down on its own" and would not require any surgery at this time.
Eric Heitmann will take over for Fiore as starting left guard and Jeff Ulbrich moves back into the starting right inside linebacker position.
A 2001 second-round draft pick, Winborn began the year as the starter when Ulbrich was sidelined and had 17 tackles in a season-opening win over the New York Giants.
