GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis, who injured his left ankle and knee in last week's 28-20 loss to the Chicago Bears, is inactive Sunday for the San Francisco 49ers' NFC West match-up at the Arizona Cardinals (2-0).
Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday that the Niners (1-1) "feel like we dodged a bullet with Vernon. Hopeful that'll be a healthy position by the end of the week."
Harbaugh, unfortunately, was wrong. Backup tight end Vance McDonald, who injured his right knee against the Bears, is also out, meaning third-stringer Derek Carrier will get the start at tight end. The 49ers promoted rookie tight end Asante Cleveland from the practice squad for depth at the position.
The rest of the 49ers' inactives are: wide receiver Quinton Patton, cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe), center Marcus Martin (knee), right tackle Anthony Davis (hamstring) and defensive tackle Tank Carradine.
Perrish Cox will start at cornerback for the second consecutive week in place of Brock and Jonathan Martin will be at right tackle for Davis for the third straight game.