The 49ers declined the 2021 contract option on Nzeocha on Friday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Through his four seasons with the 49ers, Nzeocha posted 37 tackles (29 solo), one sack and one forced fumble. The 31-year-old will aim to compete for a role at linebacker and on special teams elsewhere for the upcoming year.

Nzeocha (quadriceps) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha will enter the lineup in Sunday's game versus the Cowboys, marking his first appearance on the field since Week 3. The sixth-year linebacker is expected to stick to special teams, where he played nearly all of his snaps prior to the injury.

Nzeocha (quadriceps) has been designated for a return from injured reserve by the 49ers on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha has resided on IR since suffering the quadriceps injury in Week 3, but he's expected to return to practice this week. The 49ers will have 21 days to activate Fotu, as he could return as early as Sunday's game against the Bills.

The 49ers placed Nzeocha (quadriceps) on injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha has played in every game this season but logged all but three snaps on special teams. The 30-year-old linebacker will need to sit out at least three games before returning to action.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Nzeocha (quadriceps) likely will be placed on injured reserve, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha suffered the injury late in Sunday's win over the Giants and didn't return. It appears he's dealing with a serious issue, though, so he'll likely spend at least three weeks on the sidelines as he recovers. Nzeocha rarely plays on defense, but his absence will hurt the team's linebacker depth and special-teams units.

Nzeocha suffered a quariceps injury in Sunday's game against the Giants and didn't return, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear when Nzeocha suffered the injury, however, he failed to return to the game. His practice status Tuesday and Wednesday will paint a clearer picture on his chances to suit up for next week's game against the Eagles.

Nzeocha had 10 tackles (eight solo) and an interception over 16 games as a backup in 2019.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha saw a season-high 16 defensive snaps in Week 1, resulting in his first career interception. The 30-year-old faded into the background after that, recording just 13 total defensive snaps over the 49ers' final 15 games of the regular season. Despite his lack of usage during the regular season, Nzeocha did get some action during the team's playoff run, so he could remain in San Francisco's future plans.

Nzeocha left Saturday's divisional-round win over the Vikings with a stinger, Keiana Martin of the 49ers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha had one tackle before going down with the injury. The 29-year-old's practice participation next week will provide an idea of his potential availability for the NFC Championship Game.

Nzeocha recorded two tackles and an interception in Sunday's 31-17 win over the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha had a relatively quiet day apart from the interception, but he only saw the field for 16 of 70 defensive snaps (23 percent). The 29-year-old operated in a rotational role last season, logging 23 total tackles and a forced fumble over 16 contest. Based on the first game of the 2019 campaign, it seems Nzeocha is heading for a similar role this season.

Nzeocha signed a three-year contract with the 49ers on Friday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nzeocha appeared in all 16 games with the 49ers last season in a rotational role, recording 23 tackles, one sack and one interception. The 29-year-old veteran projects to reprise a similar role in San Francisco going forward.