"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
-
Insider expects potential 49ers trade target DeForest Buckner to be 'moved soon'
Will the San Francisco 49ers respond to the Seattle Seahawks' acquisition of All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson with a trade of their own to strengthen their position in the NFC West? NFL analysts have linked the 49ers to Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who has... -
49ers insider expects more D-line trade moves before deadline
The San Francisco 49ers made headlines Tuesday by reuniting with DeForest Buckner, sending the Indianapolis Colts a 2027 fourth-round draft pick in exchange for the defensive tackle. The move significantly upgrades the defensive line, with Buckner expected to line up alongside... -
49ers Bye-Week Report Delivers One-Sentence Takes on Every Player
Even with the DeForest Buckner acquisition and trade speculation running rampant, the San Francisco 49ers have officially reached their bye week. Week 7 against Atlanta featured plenty of competition and intensity, but ultimately ended in frustration as four turnovers doomed... -
Report: Jauan Jennings rejected opportunity to return to 49ers in trade with Vikings
A potential reunion between Jauan Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers reportedly fell apart after the veteran wide receiver made it clear he had no interest in returning to the team. According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings had a trade agreement in...