The San Francisco 49ers have added defensive lineman Bruce Hector to their practice squad, releasing safety Jaylen Mahoney to make room.
Hector was one of seven defensive players who participated in a team workout on Tuesday. Mahoney's release was officially processed on the same day, as indicated on the NFL transaction wire.
San Francisco is gearing up for its Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team will practice Wednesday through Friday before traveling to Raymond James Stadium for Sunday's game.
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Hector (6-2, 296) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2018. Throughout his seven-year career with the Eagles (2018-20), Arizona Cardinals (2019), Carolina Panthers (2020-21), Tennessee Titans (2021), Detroit Lions (2021-23), Houston Texans (2023) and New York Jets (2023-24), he has appeared in 22 games (one start) and registered 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He has also appeared in one postseason contest. In 2024, Hector appeared in six games, totaling 10 tackles and 1.0 sack with the Jets. He signed with the 49ers on August 4, 2025, before being released on August 26.
A 31-year-old native of Tampa, FL, Hector attended the University of South Florida for four years (2014-17), where he appeared in 42 games and registered 90 tackles, 18.0 sacks, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
Mahoney (5-11, 200) originally signed to the team's practice squad on September 24, 2025.