"Per a league source, Ford has informed teammates that he expects to be released as soon as Wednesday," wrote Florio.
Update: Ford denies the report of his impending release, per Mike Silver.
Ford landed on injured reserve on November 6 due to back issues. The 49ers were optimistic that the defensive end could contribute this season, opening his practice window on November 25. However, Ford was never healthy enough to practice with his teammates. The team has until Wednesday to activate him off the injured reserve list, or he will be lost for the season. It sounds like San Francisco has instead opted to part ways with the defender.
The 49ers traded a second-round pick for Ford, a former first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, in 2019. He signed a five-year, $85.5 million deal with San Francisco following the trade. Ford has appeared in just 18 regular-season games in his three seasons with the Niners.
"As Ford tells it to colleagues, he expects that the team will simply cut its losses and move on," added Florio.
On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he wasn't optimistic that Ford would play for the 49ers again this season.
"I believe we've got to make [a decision] by Wednesday, and we'll see what goes," Shanahan said. "That's something that I never can predict. But I'll be surprised if he's back. I think we'll just have to continue playing without him."
Ford recorded five tackles, two tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, and three sacks through six games this season before landing on injured reserve.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Mike Evans ready to be ultimate red-zone weapon for 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are counting on their biggest free-agent addition, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, to continue being one of the NFL's most dangerous red-zone threats. If he can replicate the production he enjoyed during his lengthy tenure with the Tampa Bay... -
49ers facing harsh reality as NFL execs label Brandon Aiyuk 'untradeable'
There appears to be no trade market for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, despite the team's hope that interest could eventually develop. With rival teams believing the 49ers will ultimately release the disgruntled receiver, there is little incentive to surrender... -
Where does 49ers' Mac Jones rank among NFL backup QBs by trade value?
Mac Jones saved the San Francisco 49ers' season in 2025. That wasn't a statement any fan expected to hear before last season began. But it happened. And it's not an overreaction. Starting QB Brock Purdy missed eight games in 2025. And Jones filled in admirably, going 5-3, and... -
USA Today predicts 49ers record for 2026
Last season, the San Francisco 49ers finished with an impressive 12-5 record, despite many injuries to key players. Some injuries, like those to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall, lasted multiple weeks. But there were more devastating ones, like the season-ending...