49ers release DE Austin Bryant ahead of Week 1

According to the NFL transaction wire, the San Francisco 49ers have released defensive end Austin Bryant. The move was necessary to make room on the 53-man roster for defensive end Nick Bosa, who returned to the team this week, ending a six-week holdout.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the impending roster move to fit in Bosa, but the coach didn't want to discuss the matter publicly before speaking with the player.

"We're doing that right now," Shanahan said after Friday's practice. "So can't say right now."

The 49ers reportedly informed Bryant that they planned to re-sign him after the 53-man roster cut-down. Releasing him and defensive lineman Kerry Hyder allowed the Niners to keep defensive lineman Robert Beal Jr. and wide receiver Danny Gray on the initial roster.

After placing Beal and Gray on short-term injured reserve, the 49ers re-signed Bryant and Hyder on August 30. Placing Beal or Gray player on injured reserve before August 30 would have ended their seasons.

San Francisco initially agreed to sign Bryant to a one-year deal in March.