The San Francisco 49ers have waived linebacker Thaddeus Gibson. Gibson, who spent a portion of last season with the team, was initially listed as a third string linebacker for the 49ers in their preseason depth chart behind Parys Haralson and Aldon Smith. The addition of Antawn Applewhite, however, seems to have sealed Gibson's fate with the team as Applewhite is poised to replace him.
The 23-year-old Gibson will enter his second year in the league after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He did not receive any playing time however and was cut by the team. The Ohio State product later signed with the 49ers and appeared in the final two games of the season against the St. Louis Rams and the Arizona Cardinals. He recorded three tackles and one forced fumble in limited action.
Gibson was present for the 49ers' preseason game against the New Orleans Saints but did play. He will now look for a new team with the NFL season just four weeks away.
The timing of the move could be meant to create space for Daunte Culpepper.