Lawrence Okoye, the British Olympian in the discus who spent three summers working toward a possible career as an NFL defensive lineman, did not make it through the first round of cuts with the 49ers.
Okoye was among the players waived on Monday, as the 49ers worked toward 14 roster moves to get to the league’s 75-player limit before the 1 p.m. deadline on Tuesday.
Okoye got off to a good start to the exhibition season with two quarterback pressures – narrowly missing sacks – in the 49ers’ opener against the Houston Texans.
He remains eligible for the 49ers’ practice squad. Okoye spent the 2013 season on injured reserve after sustaining a knee injury in the final exhibition game. He spent all of last season on the 49ers’ practice squad.
Three weeks ago, Okoye said he believed he had improved to the point in which he can play in the NFL – with the 49ers or some other team.
“I definitely feel like I’m good enough to play,” Okoye said. “I haven’t been (good enough) in previous years. I feel like I am now. That’s not me being arrogant. That’s just looking at the facts. I think I’m capable of lining up and playing ball.”
