News Article
Published
Oct 23, 2026 at 05:28 PM EDT
The San Francisco 49ers announced a roster move two days before attempting to preserve their undefeated season against the Atlanta Falcons.
San Francisco released Ogbo Okoronkwo on Friday afternoon. The defensive lineman played in all six 49ers wins this season, amassing two tackles, three quarterback hits, and a sack.
The 49ers represented Okoronkwo's third team in as many years, as he played 16 games with the Cleveland Browns in 2024 before suiting up once for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He played four snaps in Week 4 before tearing his triceps.
A fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma, Okoronkwo previously won a Super Bowl during his third and final season with the Los Angeles Rams. He then compiled a career-high five sacks with the Houston Texans in 2022.
San Francisco added the 31-year-old shortly before the 2026 season. The 49ers released Okoronkwo two weeks ago, but they signed him back to the practice squad and elevated him in time to play in a Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks two days later.
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The 49ers then signed Okoronkwo to the active roster, and he played 17 snaps in Monday night's win over the Washington Commanders. It's unclear whether they'll sign him back to the practice squad and elevate him for Sunday's game in Atlanta.
Multiple 49ers reporters noted that Okoronkwo's release clears a roster spot for them to activate Christian Kirk from the injured reserve list. The wide receiver hasn't played this season due to a calf issue, but he's fully practiced this week.