Just a few days ago, it would have appeared this would be a good week for the 49ers defense.
Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, who was suspended for the first four games of 2016, was due to come back this week. His presence as a pass rusher, in particular, was sorely missed over the first month of the regular season.
But in the same week the 49ers have said hello to Lynch – who has returned to practice – they’ve had to say goodbye to inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, a team captain, former All-Pro and the team’s finest defensive player.
Bowman suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys and has been lost for the season.
So, as the Niners prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals Thursday night, they’ll be missing a big playmaker on the inside while adding Lynch to the outside.
“That’s a horrible loss,” Lynch told reporters Monday. “We hope he comes back healthy and takes as long as he needs to take. He was one of the leaders of our defense. Everybody knows who NaVorro Bowman is, so he’s always one of the guys on the field they gameplan (against). Losing him on the defense is horrible.”
One of four inside linebackers will take Bowman’s place in the lineup: Nick Bellore, Michael Wilhoite, Gerald Hodges or Shayne Skov.
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Said Bellore, to the Bay Area News Group’s Cam Inman: “It’s time for guys like myself and the linebacker room as a whole to step up.”
Lynch, who was suspended for a violation of the NFL’s policy on substance abuse – a ruling that he appealed, but lost – reported in terrific shape. Niners head coach Chip Kelly said the team’s strength and conditioning coaches told him Lynch had been working out hard, so the transition back to playing shape could be quick.
Lynch, in fact, said he felt comfortable at practice Monday.
“When I went out to practice today, the plays came easier than I thought they would because I prepared myself mentally,” he told the media.
Eli Harold has been the starter in Lynch’s absence. Kelly said he’s not certain yet how much playing time Lynch will get Thursday night.
Lynch, who tied for the team lead in sacks in 2015, said he’s excited to get on the field against Arizona.
“I’ve been waiting just like any other football player that loves to play football and can’t play for the first four weeks,” he said. “I’m just ready to do whatever I can to help this team.”
The Cardinals-49ers game is scheduled for 5:25 p.m. Thursday.
