SAN FRANCISCO -- Struggling wide receiver Braylon Edwards was released by the San Francisco 49ers following surgery on his right knee earlier this season that limited his ability.
Edwards tweeted the news Tuesday, attributing the move to his injury, which "required more time to rehab and hasn't allowed me to re-sync with the offense."
The 49ers confirmed Edwards' release.
"I wish the 49ers organization the best of luck during the playoffs," Edwards said in a statement on his web site. "I will be working hard this off season to strengthen my knee and prepare for the 2012 season. Thanks for your continued support and for being such loyal fans."
Edwards had 15 catches for 181 yards and no touchdowns in eight games with five starts for the NFC West champion 49ers (12-3) after receiving a $3.5 million, one-year contract in August. That gave him a fresh start under coach and fellow Michigan man Jim Harbaugh.
He was inactive against St. Louis on Dec. 4 and again for the Monday night game. In a loss at Arizona on Dec. 11, Edwards had no catches and expressed his surprise not to be used more in the offense.
Harbaugh has said Edwards' performance in games and practice affected his playing time.
Harbaugh said Monday the team might look outside the organization this week to fill spots -- and that looks to be the case now -- heading into the regular-season finale Sunday at St. Louis. The 49ers are trying to secure the NFC's No. 2 seed and a first-round bye.
Edwards, the No. 3 pick in the 2005 draft, got hurt early in Week 2 against Dallas on Sept. 18 and missed four games before returning against his former Cleveland team Oct. 30.
Edwards revealed in late November he also was dealing with a shoulder injury sustained in the fourth quarter of a 19-11 win at Washington on Nov. 6.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
