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49ers release WR Williams

The San Francisco 49ers waived wide receiver and return man Kyle Williams, the team announced Tuesday.

The 49ers also activated linebacker Nick Moody from the Injured reserve/designated for return List, and waived cornerback Perrish Cox.

"Decisions like these are always difficult, especially at this time of year," said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke. "Kyle and Perrish have represented the 49ers organization very well, both on and off the field. We appreciate their dedication and contributions and wish them all the best."

The 49ers are looking for more production in the passing game. Williams had fallen on the depth chart with the return of Mario Manningham for Sunday's 10-9 loss to the Carolina Panthers. In addition, 2012 leading wideout Michael Crabtree resumed practice last week for the first time since undergoing surgery in May for a torn right Achilles' tendon.

Williams (5-foot-10,186) was originally selected by the 49ers in the sixth round (206th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. In four seasons with San Francisco, he played in 38 games (nine starts) and recorded 47 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 28 kickoff returns for 673 yards and 21 punt returns for 170 yards.

Williams will long be remembered for his two costly fumbles in a 20-17 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC championship game following the 2011 season. That included losing a fumble on a punt return in overtime that set up Lawrence Tynes' winning field goal.

Moody (6-1, 236) was originally drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2013 draft. He was injured in the regular-season opener against the Green Bay Packers and later placed on the Injured reserve/designated for return list on Sept. 11.

Cox (6-0, 190) was signed by the 49ers on March 13, 2012. Over the past two seasons, he appeared in all 25 games and registered 18 tackles, while adding seven special teams tackles.