The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported that the San Francisco 49ers are releasing veteran defensive tackle Naquan Jones. Pelissero said the 49ers are making the move to create a roster spot, but didn’t name a specific player.
During Week 6’s postgame, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had this to say about wide receiver Christian Kirk:
“Yeah, he’s a possibility for next week. He had two good practices in. It was just his first two practices of the year. We were down on wideouts, so it was still something
we discussed, but we decided to give it another week.”
Kirk is on the injured reserve. The 49ers can now activate him ahead of Wednesday’s practice without making a corresponding move, now that they’ve released Jones.
Mike Evans’ injury isn’t considered long-term, but the Niners would be wise to give Evans two weeks to recover from the Achilles soreness he’s dealing with.
Without Evans, the 49ers don’t have a true X receiver. Kirk brings veteran presence and can win at multiple levels.
Here’s how the 49ers’ snap counts were against the Commanders at wide receiver:
Jordan Watkins – 47
Brandin Cooks – 31
Mike Evans – 24
Jacob Cowing -15
Malik Turner – 3
Watkins will have to own that “X” role for at least a week.
The decision to part ways with Jones is a reflection of getting James Thompson back from injury. San Francisco rolled with the foursome of Osa Odighizuwa, Sebastian Valdez, Gracen Halton, and Thompson. Keion White also gets a good number of snaps at defensive tackle.
