The San Francisco 49ers released defensive tackle Naquan Jones on Tuesday, the team announced.

The move came one day after the 49ers improved to 6-0 with a 23-17 Monday night victory over the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium.

Jones, a 6-foot-3, 313-pound veteran, had been signed by San Francisco on September 23 off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad to bolster a thin interior defensive line.

Injuries, including a high-ankle sprain to James Thompson Jr., had created a need for experienced depth.

In his short time with the team, Jones appeared in three games and recorded two tackles while playing a limited rotational role. He was a healthy scratch for Monday’s win as Thompson returned to the lineup.

The primary driver for the release appears to be roster management. Multiple reports indicated the move opened a spot for linebacker Dre Greenlaw to return from a one-game suspension.

There was also speculation it could facilitate the eventual activation of wide receiver Christian Kirk, whose 21-day return-to-practice window from injured reserve (calf) had opened the previous week.

Jones’s career has been that of a reliable depth piece.

An undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2021, he signed with the Tennessee Titans and later spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Vikings.

Across six seasons, he has appeared in 63 games with eight starts, totaling 104 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and five passes defensed. He also saw limited postseason action earlier in his career.

The 28-year-old, a native of Evanston, Illinois, will now hit the free-agent market.

Given the chronic need for interior defensive line depth across the league and his experience as a run-stuffer, he is expected to draw interest from teams looking for a veteran rotational contributor.

For the 49ers, the transaction is consistent with their aggressive approach to roster churn amid ongoing injury issues.

With Thompson back and other pieces available—including practice-squad options and the ability to flex edge players inside—the team judged Jones expendable as they prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Jones’ release closes a brief but practical chapter in San Francisco’s season-long effort to keep the defensive front functional.