49ers release SS Parrish

December 5, 2006

SANTA CLARA, California (Ticker) - The San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday released veteran strong safety Tony Parrish.

A nine-year veteran, Parrish has split time with Mark Roman this season. He recorded 21 tackles in nine games.

San Francisco coach Mike Nolan said the move to release Parrish, 31, was necessary due to lack of depth at linebacker after Derek Smith suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's 34-10 loss at New Orleans.

The 49ers also signed veteran Jay Foreman on Tuesday.

"Tony is a model professional, and he influenced a lot of younger players with his work ethic," Nolan said. "This was a tough decision to make at this time, but with the injuries we had at linebacker, we needed to bring in a player at that position.

"To make room on the roster, we had to make this move since we do have depth at the safety position. I know Tony will work with the same passion and dedication in his next endeavor with the same resolve as he did with the 49ers."

In 2003, Parrish tied for the league lead with nine interceptions. He spent his first four seasons with Chicago before signing with San Francisco in 2002.

Hmmmm...how injured is Todd Johnson?

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You know me like that.

A one legged T.Parrish would be better then T.Johnson.

If we were to bring him back, it wouldn't be as a starter, but anyone know whether he plays special teams ? That would be a requirement at this point of the season, which probably means he isn't signing here unless Johnson is out for longer than we realize.