The San Francisco 49ers made a head-scratching move on Friday, cutting defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo. It’s a roster shake-up that feels wild, especially for a division rival looking to keep their defensive depth.
Why the Shocking Release? It’s All About Christian Kirk
Turns out, the Niners weren’t just ditching a player for no reason. This whole thing was done to clear a roster spot. That spot? It’s for wide receiver Christian Kirk, who’s set to return to the active roster from injured reserve. Kirk has been out all season dealing with a calf injury, so they’re obviously keen to get him back on the field. Okoronkwo, 31, isn’t some rookie; he’s a proven veteran. This season he’s played in all six games, even getting one start, and he’s logged two tackles and a sack. So, to just outright release him feels like a big gamble for Kirk.
Could Okoronkwo Be Back On The Field For Sunday? Absolutely Wild.
Here’s where it gets even crazier. Don’t go thinking Okoronkwo is off the 49ers’ radar for good, at least not for this weekend. As a vested veteran, he isn’t subject to waivers, meaning no other team can snatch him up immediately. That opens the door for the 49ers to potentially re-sign him to their practice squad *as early as Saturday*. If they do that, he could totally play in Sunday’s game against the Falcons. Think about that: released on Friday, possibly playing on Sunday. It’s bonkers. For his career, Okoronkwo has put up 18 sacks and 134 tackles, so he’s got a track record. It really shows how much they want Kirk back while trying to keep their defensive options open.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Niners actually pull the trigger and bring Okoronkwo right back for Sunday’s game against the Falcons. Keep an eye on that roster spot, because this story might just have a few more twists before kickoff.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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