Niners sign quarterback Jesse Palmer

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers Tuesday signed quarterback Jesse Palmer to serve as the backup to Kody Pickett in Sunday's home game against the New York Giants.

The 49ers began the season with Tim Rattay as their starting quarterback, but he was traded to Tampa Bay Oct. 18. Rookie Alex Smith moved in as the No. 1 signal-caller but Smith sat out this past Sunday's 15-10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a knee ailment and starter Ken Dorsey suffered an ankle injury.

Palmer saw action in eight games for the Giants during the 2002-03 seasons, starting three games. He went to training camp with the Giants this season but was waived prior to the start of the NFL regular season.