The San Francisco 49ers on Friday announced the release of defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, apparently clearing the decks for the return of second-year defensive end Mykel Williams.
There was no corresponding move the release of the veteran DE who appeared in the 49ers’ first four games with one start. It would appear San Francisco is gearing up to replace Okoronkwo with Williams who is still on the PUP list and in line to return in Week 5 − the first in which he’s eligible to make his season debut.
Williams was a first-round pick last season and looked to be growing into a force on the defensive front before he tore his ACL in Week 9 against the New York Giants. His versatility to play on the end and on the interior gives the 49ers more options on a thin defensive line, but it’s Williams’ ability to stop the run that should provide the biggest lift for San Francisco. Their run defense suffered a dramatic decline after Williams went down last season, and while they’ve managed to get enough stops against the run to start this season 4-0, it’s unlikely their shoddy run defense was going to last an entire season. Williams finished last season with 20 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks.
Okoronkwo should be in line to make his way back to the 49ers’ practice squad. He was granted his outright release since he’s a vested veteran, meaning he isn’t subject to waivers. San Francisco could theoretically bring him back to the practice squad and then elevate him for Sunday’s game with their Saturday roster moves. In his four games Okoronkwo had two tackles, three quarterback hits and 1.0 sacks.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers release veteran DE, clear way for former 1st-round pick’s return