Former USC center Marcus Martin could start for 49ers

Former USC center Marcus Martin could earn a start for the San Francisco 49ers.

Coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday that starter Daniel Kilgore would be placed on season-ending injured reserve because of leg injury.

Harbaugh said Martin, the 49ers’ third-round pick in last spring’s draft, would get the “first shot” at replacing Kilgore. The 49ers play the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 2.

Martin had been sidelined since the preseason because of a dislocated kneecap – the same injury he suffered in USC’s 2013 regular-season finale against UCLA.

He returned to practice this month.

“He’s a bright youngster and he’s chomped at the bit to get back on the field and didn’t take the opportunity to let the injury linger,” Harbaugh told reporters, adding that Martin continued mental preparation throughout rehabilitation from the injury.

“We knew he was hurt and was going to be out multiple weeks,” Harbaugh said, “He did not ease off in the classroom and in his study – I think that bodes well.”

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