The San Francisco 49ers announced that the team has released veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu from the 53-man roster and tight end Charlie Taumoepeau from the practice squad.
News of Sanu's release was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Source: The #49ers are releasing WR Mohamed Sanu, as SF gets healthy at the position with some of their young guys. Rare for an experienced, accomplished WR to be free in early October.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2020
San Francisco officially signed Sanu on September 18. He recorded one catch for nine yards in his three game appearances with the 49ers this season.
Sanu, 31, is in his ninth NFL season. The veteran has caught 404 passes for 4,516 yards with 26 touchdowns over his career.
The 49ers got second-year wide receiver Deebo Samuel back from injured reserve. He appeared in Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles and caught three passes for 35 yards while adding a 10-yard run.
On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team could also get wide receiver Richie James Jr. (hamstring) back this week.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has emerged as an offensive playmaker in his first NFL season. He had the following reaction to the news about Sanu's departure.
Rookie WR Brandon Aiyuk tweeted this out after news dropped that the team would be releasing Mohamed Sanu 😳#49ers | #49wz pic.twitter.com/FkD6tQPvjw
— TheSFNiners (@TheSFNiners) October 6, 2020
The following rundown was provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
Sanu (6-2, 210) originally signed with the 49ers as a free agent on September 18, 2020. He appeared in each of the team's last three games and registered one reception for nine yards. Taumoepeau (6-2, 245) originally signed to the team's practice squad on September 30, 2020.