Harbaugh expects Wallace to play Sunday

San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh expects Seneca Wallace to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, just three days after the veteran was added to the backup quarterback mix.

Harbaugh said Colin Kaepernick will start, and that all five quarterbacks on the roster could play Sunday if Scott Tolzien is able to return from "something that he was working through."

Wallace's signing was seen as an indication the team isn't satisfied with the performance of Tolzien or Colt McCoy, who have been competing for the backup job to Kaepernick. Rookie B.J. Daniels is expected to make the team as the No. 3 quarterback or be signed to the practice squad.

"The fact that you could get an experienced quarterback like Seneca Wallace at this stage when you have seven-to-10 days 'til there's a final cut down to the final roster then a chance to bring him in to do more than just a workout," Harbaugh said Friday. "You get a chance to actually practice and play in a preseason game or two. So, I felt like there was no downside to doing that."

Wallace was out of football last season and cut by New Orleans earlier this week, but is a nine-year veteran who is familiar with some of the 49ers' terminology and has been picking up the offense quickly.

"There's numerous plays in our system that he's done before," Harbaugh said. "Whether in Cleveland or Seattle, so, it's just a matter of learning how we call them, and getting familiar with the quarterback-center exchange. Timing with the receivers may not be precise and exact, but to be able to get out and play and compete, I feel that he can do that."

McCoy is still slated to be the second quarterback into Sunday's game.

"I want to get them all in the mix as much as possible," Harbaugh said. "But, Colin's going to get his practice reps and then after that, they get divvied up."

--Harbaugh said the battle for the nickel cornerback job between Tramaine Brock and Nnamdi Asomugha remains "very competitive."