Dre Greenlaw Returns as 49ers Release Naquan Jones
The 49ers added Greenlaw to the 53-man roster following a one-game suspension.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
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Linebacker Dre Greenlaw returns to the 49ers active roster this week following a one-game suspension. The team announced the move alongside the release of defensive lineman Naquan Jones to maintain their 53-man roster limit.
Why it matters
The roster moves reflect the team's ongoing adjustments as they welcome back veteran players from injury and suspension. While the active roster is set for now, management must clear further space soon to accommodate receiver Christian Kirk.
The 49ers hold a 53-man roster limit, which required the release of Naquan Jones after his three-game stint with the team. It remains unknown how the organization will clear space for the activation of Christian Kirk, who began his 21-day practice window on October 19, 2026.
The players
Dre Greenlaw
A veteran 49ers linebacker who returns to the 53-man roster after serving a one-game suspension.
Naquan Jones
A defensive lineman who was released by the 49ers after appearing in three games.
James Thompson Jr.
A defensive lineman who returned to the active roster after recovering from a high ankle sprain.
Christian Kirk
A receiver currently working toward returning from injured reserve after starting a 21-day practice window.
The details
The 49ers released Naquan Jones to make room for Dre Greenlaw after the linebacker finished his one-game suspension. Jones recorded two tackles across 45 defensive snaps during his tenure with the team. Meanwhile, James Thompson Jr. has returned to the active roster following recovery from a high ankle sprain.
Timeline
September 2026: Naquan Jones joined the 49ers.
October 14, 2026: Christian Kirk's 21-day practice window opened.
October 20, 2026: The 49ers released Naquan Jones following their 23-17 win over the Commanders.
Across the Bay
Professional football roster management is governed by the NFL 53-man active roster limit, which forces teams to release players when returning veterans from the injured reserve or suspension list. The 49ers' recent transactions follow this pattern of constant adjustment to keep the squad at the league-mandated capacity.
Fans watching the 49ers' defensive depth can expect to see Dre Greenlaw return to the rotation following his suspension. The team will need to announce a new transaction soon to clear space for the activation of Christian Kirk from the injured reserve list.
The takeaway
The team continues to shuffle their defensive front as they reintegrate key starters into the lineup. Keep an eye on roster announcements in the coming days, as another player will likely be released to make room for Christian Kirk before his 21-day practice window expires.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit our Football section.
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Should your local sports team prioritize maintaining roster depth over keeping veteran players on the team?
