The San Francisco 49ers on Friday announced the release of defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo for the second time in October.
Okoronkwo was let go in early October to clear a roster spot for the return of defensive end Mykel Williams from the PUP list. This time he's likely being let go to clear a path for wide receiver Christian Kirk to come off IR and onto the active roster.
In both instances the timing matters. San Francisco has twice released Okoronkwo on a Friday instead of Saturday when they'd typically make such a move. Doing so allows them to re-sign the 31-year-old Saturday, which allows them to also elevate him to the active roster for the week as one of their practice squad call-ups.
Because he's a vested veteran Okoronkwo isn't subject to waivers so San Francisco can re-sign him outright.
Okoronkwo has played in all six games for the 49ers this season. The eight-year veteran has two tackles and a sack. For his career he has 18 sacks and 134 tackles.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers release D-lineman, clear path for veteran WR's return to roster