49ers Release Naquan Jones to Make Room on Roster

The San Francisco 49ers have released defensive lineman Naquan Jones as they adjust their roster following a 23-17 victory over the Washington Commanders. The team announced the move on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, ahead of its Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, after Jones appeared in three games during his stint with San Francisco.

Jones recorded two tackles across 45 defensive snaps this season, according to Sports Yahoo. The 28-year-old joined the 49ers on September 23 after spending time on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, but he was inactive for Monday night's game against Washington.

San Francisco has several potential roster adjustments involving returning players. According to NBC Sports, the 49ers may be preparing a spot for wide receiver Christian Kirk, whose 21-day practice window opened last week after he spent the season on injured reserve with a calf injury.

The NFL also officially lifted linebacker Dre Greenlaw's suspension, allowing him to return to the 53-man roster. Niners Nation identified Greenlaw's return as another factor in the team's roster decisions, while reports from NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed Jones' release without identifying a specific player who would immediately take his place.

Jones' departure also follows the return of defensive lineman James Thompson Jr., who missed time with a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 2. Thompson returned against Washington on Monday night, and Jones was left inactive as San Francisco relied on other options along its defensive front.

The 49ers' primary interior defensive linemen now include Osa Odighizuwa, Gracen Halton, Sebastian Valdez and Thompson. Kevin Givens and McKinnley Jackson remain on the practice squad, while Mykel Williams, the team's 2025 first-round pick, can also move inside if needed, according to Sports Yahoo.

Jones entered the NFL in 2021 as an undrafted free agent signed by the Tennessee Titans after playing college football at Michigan State from 2016 through 2020. His professional career has included stops with the Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings before joining San Francisco.

Across six NFL seasons, Jones has appeared in 63 games, including eight starts, and accumulated 104 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, five passes defensed and 6.5 sacks, according to Yardbarker. His most recent sack came in 2024 while he was with Arizona.

Christian Kirk's potential return remains another consideration for San Francisco's roster management. Following Week 6, head coach Kyle Shanahan said the receiver had participated in two practices but needed additional time before returning to game action.

Shanahan addressed Kirk's availability after the team's Week 6 game, explaining that the coaching staff had considered playing him but opted to delay his return.

"Yeah, he's a possibility for next week. He had two good practices in. It was just his first two practices of the year. We were down on wideouts, so it was still something we discussed, but we decided to give it another week." said Kyle Shanahan, 49ers head coach.

San Francisco improved to 6-0 with its win over Washington and is scheduled to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. The 49ers will continue adjusting their roster as injured players work toward returning to the lineup.