DE Melvin Oliver, who started 14 games as a rookie but did not play last season after sustaining a torn ACL during the offseason program, was waived. Oliver worked out on his own in Louisiana, and appeared to drop a lot of weight during his rehabilitation. Some question whether Oliver was miscast in the 49ers' 3-4 defense. He would have been competing for a roster spot at defensive end among a crowded group that includes Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, Kentwan Balmer, Ray McDonald, Walter Curry, LaJuan Ramsey and Louis Holmes. 07/17/2008

Oliver tore a ligament in his right knee during organized team activities this week. Oliver, a sixth-round pick from LSU in 2006 who started 14 games for the 49ers last season, was injured during a non-contact drill Tuesday. Team doctors discovered the torn medial collateral ligament Wednesday.
06/06/2007