The San Francisco 49ers were among several teams that kicked off training camp this week, as the rookies reported to the SAP Performance Facility on Tuesday, July 15. The veterans are expected to show up on July 22.
When training camp begins, teams start by addressing some procedural items, such as placing players on the PUP/NFI list. Earlier this week, the 49ers placed eight players on the injured list, including star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and safety Malik Mustapha.
Also making an appearance on the NFI (non-football injury list) was safety George Odum, who reportedly underwent elbow surgery last month. With the veteran defender likely being sidelined for several weeks, the 49ers made a tough decision on Saturday, which will impact their safety depth and special teams unit.
49ers Send George Odum Packing After Placing Him on NFI List
According to Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers released the 31-year-old All-Pro special teamer.
The #49ers have released safety George Odum, 31, an All-Pro special teams player they placed on the non-football injury list Friday.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) July 19, 2025
NFL’s Media Ian Rapoport adds that Odum’s injury has a three-month recovery window, which means he should be ready in 6-8 weeks and could sign by midseason. The veteran safety most recently signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension in March 2024 after initially signing a three-year, $9.5 million deal in free agency in Mar 2022.
#49ers special teams standout George Odum, a surprising release earlier today, underwent elbow surgery last month from an offseason injury, source said. He was placed on NFI.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2025
Given a 3-month recovery time, he should be ready 6-8 weeks from now. Likely to sign midseason. pic.twitter.com/R4bvS4IULU
Last season with the 49ers, Odum recorded 11 tackles, four pass deflections, while adding five special teams tackles. Over his three-year run in San Francisco, the veteran defender racked up 36 special teams tackles, 14 tackles, five pass deflections, and an interception across 40 games.
In his first year with San Francisco, Odum established himself as one of the better special teams players in the NFL. He led the league with 21 special teams tackles, which helped him earn AP second-team All-NFL honors.
With Odum out of the picture, it will be interesting to see if Jaylen Mahoney or rookie Marques Sigle, who was taken in the fifth round, can fill that void on special teams, given the players ahead of them on the depth chart.