The San Francisco 49ers made another tweak to their defensive line on Thursday, parting ways with veteran Ogbo Okoronkwo as they gear up for a Week 5 meeting with the Seattle Seahawks.
San Francisco has been dealing with multiple defensive line injuries early in the 2026 NFL season, and the timing of this move points to how hard the team is trying to patch together its front for a divisional test. The pass rush remains a key question heading into Seattle, and getting more healthy bodies available has become a priority.
Okoronkwo, who signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in August, saw his stint with the team end after just a few months. The 31-year-old had previously spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.
Across his NFL career, Okoronkwo has played in 85 regular-season games and put up 134 tackles and 18 sacks. In seven postseason games, he added four tackles and one pass defensed.
The move also opens the door for defensive lineman Mykel Williams to come off the physically unable to perform list. Matt Maiocco reported, “The 49ers announced they released DL Ogbo Okoronkwo.
This creates a spot for DL Mykel Williams off PUP.”
Williams, a former first-round pick, has been working his way back after missing the first part of the season. As a rookie, he recorded 20 tackles and one sack in nine games. He suffered a knee injury in November 2025 and has spent the offseason pushing toward his return.
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