The San Francisco 49ers have released veteran defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, who has an injured rib and did not did not play in the team's final preseason game against the San Diego Chargers.

If Dockett doesn't quickly get signed by a new team, he may pursue an injury grievance since players coud not be cut when they are injured.

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The 34-year-old Dockett called his injury a cracked rib, while the team terms it a cartilage issue.

The injury wasn't expected to keep Dockett out of action once the regular season got underway, making his release somewhat a surprise.

His release came a day before it becomes mandatory for NFL teams to trim their roster from 75 to 53.

Dockett, who signed with the 49ers on a two-year, $7.25 million contract as a free agent, also missed all of last season with a torn right knee ACL, NBC Sports noted. 

The NFL veteran will still get the $2 million in his 49ers contract, according to Washington Post. He also earned a $500,000 workout bonus.

The move allows Dockett to become a free agent and sign with any other team, which would also get the 49ers a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $2 million on what he earns in another team.

Meanwhile, the move saves the team  $1.75 million in cap space and gets them younger at the position, with Ed Stinson, Xavier Williams, Rodney Gunter and Josh Mauro.

Dockett,  a three-time Pro Bowler, had been working as a pass-rusher on the left side in the 49ers' nickel defense package.

He played 10 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals where he posted 40.5 sacks in 10 seasons.
League observers do not foresee the Cardinals bringing Dockett back to their lineup.​ 

TagsSan Francisco 49ers, NFL, NFL defensive lineman, Darnell Dockett, NFL injuries