The San Francisco 49ers on Friday announced the release of defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo for the second time in October.

Okoronkwo was let go in early October to clear a roster spot for the return of defensive end Mykel Williams from the PUP list. This time he's likely being let go to clear a path for wide receiver Christian Kirk to come off IR and onto the active roster.

In both instances the timing matters. San Francisco has twice released Okoronkwo on a Friday instead of Saturday when they'd typically make such a move. Doing so allows them to re-sign the 31-year-old Saturday, which allows them to also elevate him to the active roster for the week as one of their practice squad call-ups.

Because he's a vested veteran Okoronkwo isn't subject to waivers so San Francisco can re-sign him outright.

Okoronkwo has played in all six games for the 49ers this season. The eight-year veteran has two tackles and a sack. For his career he has 18 sacks and 134 tackles.