"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
-
George Kittle reveals message to teammates amid 49ers' struggles
Tight end George Kittle is widely regarded as one of the most optimistic voices in the San Francisco 49ers locker room. That positive mindset remains steadfast, even as the team faces playoff elimination with five games left in the season. The 49ers still have a shot at... -
Talanoa Hufanga delivers inspiring message to 49ers teammates after loss to Rams
The San Francisco 49ers' playoff hopes are all but dashed. Thursday night's 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams dropped the team to 6-8, leaving a postseason berth unlikely. With three games remaining, the focus shifts to how the team will respond to adversity and finish the... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan expects Isaac Guerendo to "play like a starting running back"
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and the starting running back for the 49ers will be the player who was their fourth-string running back going into training camp—rookie Isaac Guerendo. This will be the rookie's first NFL start, but he has... -
Kyle Shanahan on if he expects De'Vondre Campbell to be with the 49ers next week: "No, I don't"
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters during a Friday conference call, a day after the team's 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The discussion included the unusual situation involving linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, who refused to enter the game after...