The 49ers released Ford (back) on Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Back in 2019, the Niners sent the Chiefs a second-round pick for Ford, who then signed a five-year, $87.5 million contract. He had 6.5 sacks in 11 games his first year with the Niners, but then just three sacks in seven games the past two years combined. Ford's struggles with health stretched into the offseason, keeping him off the field at OTAs and June minicamp. He's been bothered by his back since last fall, with 49ers GM John Lynch saying in March that he didn't have much hope for Ford to contribute in 2022. The 31-year-old pass rusher may be looking at another surgery if he wants to continue his playing career.

Ford (back) was absent from practice Tuesday, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unfortunately more of the same for Ford, who was also unable to participate in OTAs a couple weeks ago. He will try to recover in time for training camp to compete with 2022 second-round pick Drake Jackson for the starting job on the edge of San Francisco's defensive line opposite Nick Bosa.

Ford (back) was not seen at San Francisco's OTA sessions Tuesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford dealt with back injuries in 2021 that limited him to just six games played before being sidelined in late October and missing the remainder of the season. The eighth-year defensive end has appeared in just seven games over the past two seasons for the 49ers, so his absence from any on-field drills Tuesday is not an encouraging sign for his long-term health. Ford is entering the final season of his contract with San Francisco and the remarks on his healthy by general manager John Lynch in late March seem to indicate that the team may ultimately choose to part ways before the start of the regular season.

49ers general manager John Lynch said Monday that he doesn't have "a lot of hope" that Ford (back) will be able to contribute on the field during the 2022 campaign, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford suffered a back injury in October last season and didn't progress the way San Francisco would've hoped before he was eventually shut down in mid-December. Wagoner relays that this continues to be the case, and it's gotten to the point that the 49ers don't believe a return in 2022 is possible. The team already restructured Ford's contract to open enough space for them to start the new league year, but by releasing the veteran pass rusher after June 1, the team could save an extra $1.12 million, per David Lombardi of The Athletic. Ford has made 18 appearances across three seasons with the 49ers, totaling 22 tackles, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that Ford (back) won't return in 2021, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford had been sidelined since late October, and he didn't show significant progress in his recovery from a back injury recently. The 30-year-old appeared in six games during the 2021 campaign and totaled five tackles (three solo), three sacks and a forced fumble.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that he would be surprised if Ford (back) is back this season, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barrows reports that the 49ers need to make a decision on whether or not to activate Ford from injured reserve by Wednesday. If they decide not to active him, then he will spend the rest of the season on injured reserve, which appears likely based on Shanahan's comments. If he is indeed done for the year, then Ford finished the 2021 campaign with three sacks in six appearances.

Ford (back) was not activated from injured reserve prior to Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford was designated to return from injured reserve Thursday, which allows him to practice with the team. However, he's not yet ready for game action, so his next chance to take the field will be Week 13 against Seattle. Whenever he suits up next, it will be his first time being active since Week 7.

Ford (back) was designated to return from injured reserve Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Ford landed on injured reserve in early November and is eligible to return to game action as early as Sunday against the Vikings. While it's not yet clear whether he'll be available in Week 12, he'll rejoin the 49ers for practice this week and will need to be activated within 21 days if he hopes to play again this year.

Ford (back) was placed in injured reserve Saturday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford was considered questionable going into Week 9 against the Cardinals, so this is a bit of a surprise. With Ford's move to IR, Jordan Willis may see some extra work on the 49ers' defensive line.

Ford (back) is questionable Sunday against the Cardinals, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford suffered a concussion in Week 8 against the Bears and cleared protocols, but he is also dealing with a back injury. If Ford is unable to play, Jordan Willis will look to take on a share of his snaps.