Ryan (6-foot-5, 265 pounds) has spent time with Dallas, New York Jets, Miami and New Orleans in his career. The 49ers waived fullback David Kirtman, who was signed to replace fullback Zak Keasey, who is out for the season with a biceps injury.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR Isaac Bruce has a team-leading 399 yards receiving this season, but 153 of them came in a Week 2 victory over the Seahawks. Bruce has been held under 60 yards receiving in each of the 49ers' other seven games.

--DE Kentwan Balmer saw extended action in the 49ers' game before the bye with Ray McDonald out with a knee injury. The team's first-round draft pick has not made much of an impact this season. He ranks 17th on the team with 14 tackles, including just three solo stops.

--DE Justin Smith has given the 49ers about what they expected after signing him to a lucrative contract in the offseason. Smith has 51 tackles, according to the team's count. He has recorded three sacks, and leads the 49ers with 26 quarterback pressures.

--TE Delanie Walker could see more playing time if Vernon Davis is unable to escape coach Mike Singletary's doghouse. Walker has seven catches on the season. He has also been a good special-teams player, with a team-high 10 tackles.

--FB David Kirtman spent three weeks on the 49ers' roster and suited up for one game. However, he was released this week when the 49ers decided to sign free agent TE Sean Ryan.

GAME PLAN: The 49ers, who rank 30th in the league in surrendering 28.8 points a game, face the league's top-scoring offense. The Cardinals average 29.3 points a game, while ranking second in the NFL with 386.9 yards per game. The 49ers have to be able to get pressure on Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who managed just 197 yards passing when the clubs met in the first week of the regular season. The 49ers got some heat on Warner, sacking him four times. But the 49ers' pass rush has not been consistent. In the seven games that have followed, the 49ers have gotten just 10 sacks. Edgerrin James rushed for 100 yards in that first meeting, but now the 49ers must contend with new starter, rookie Tim Hightower, who has six touchdowns rushing. Offensively, Mike Martz has a new quarterback. J.T. O'Sullivan is out, and Shaun Hill is in. Martz will have to mold his offense to Hill's strengths. That should mean fewer seven-stop drops and vertical routes. Hill is good at making quick decisions and getting the ball out quickly. His arm is not as strong as O'Sullivan's. Regardless of the approach in the passing game, Martz has to show a commitment to getting the ball in the hands of running back Frank Gore, who is second in the NFL with 940 yards from scrimmage.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: 49ers QB Shaun Hill vs. Cardinals pass defense - Hill is making his first start of the season and will face a pass defense that is tied for 18th in the league, surrendering 216.3 yards per game.

49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson: Gore ranks eighth in the league with 629 yards rushing and second among running backs with 311 yards receiving. Wilson will likely move closer to the line of scrimmage to be an eighth defender in the box.

49ers CB Walt Harris vs. Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin: Harris, a 13-year veteran, has showed some signs of slowing down this season. Boldin is back at full strength and has recorded seven touchdowns this year.

49ers CB Nate Clements vs. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald: Clements plays his best against some of the league's top competition. Fitzgerald, one of the NFL's elite receivers, was held to just three catches for 31 yards when the clubs met earlier this season.

INJURY IMPACT: S Dashon Goldson (knee) has already been ruled out for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

--DE Ray McDonald (knee), who has not played since sustaining his injury Oct. 19 against the Giants, is expected to return to action against the Cardinals.

--RT Jonas Jennings (shoulder) has a chance to play Monday night. If he can prove in practice that he's healthy, he could regain his starting job. He has been out since Sept. 14 after dislocating his shoulder.

--WR Arnaz Battle (foot) sustained his injury late in the 49ers' Oct. 26 game against the Seahawks. He is not expected to see much practice early in the week.

--OT Barry Sims, who took over at right tackle after Jennings' injury, sustained a left ankle sprain. He might not be available for Monday's game.

--TE Delanie Walker (elbow) is expected to see full practice this week and be available to play against the Cardinals.