The San Francisco 49ers waived tight end Onye Ibekwe, former Long Beach State basketball player as well as six other players Sunday, trimming their roster to the NFL’s mandatory 75-man roster on Aug. 29. Ibekwe was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 4.
“We have a good bit of depth at the tight end position,” stated 49ers head coach Mike Nolan on the 49er Web site. “We have five other tight ends that we feel need the reps.”
Nolan pointed out Ibekwe’s lack of football knowledge, a sport he hasn’t played since high school, as one of the reasons for his departure.
Despite being cut after not getting any playing time during the preseason, Nolan believes Ibekwe’s 6-foot-8 254 pound frame raises the possibility of the LBSU product returning to the 49ers as a member of the practice squad.
When asked of the possibility of Ibekwe returning, Nolan said, “Potentially. He is one guy in consideration. He’s is new to football. He hasn’t a lot of football in his background. He’s a true developmental player type of guy. He’s got size and strength and speed and a lot of desire and that’s a good thing for the practice squad if that’s what comes about.”