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49ers Stock Watch: Who’s Up and Down Midway through the 2016 Preseason?

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Francisco 49ers
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Marcus Rush (44) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers defeated the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up — Linebacker Marcus Rush

From one Marcus to another, let’s break down why pass-rushing linebacker Marcus Rush is on the rise.

Simply put, Rush’s pass-rushing (pun intended) moves against Denver were pretty fantastic. He accounted for four tackles, two quarterback hits and three sacks during the contest at Sports Authority Field.

Not surprisingly, Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney ranked Rush — and fellow pass-rusher Tank Carradine — as the Niners’ highest-graded defenders in the game. The rest of the league’s 3-4 outside linebackers too.

Rush is on the roster bubble and is vying for a roster spot. Performances like these will go a long way in ensuring he makes the cut.

And the 49ers will need him to produce too. With linebacker Aaron Lynch’s four-game suspension a factor, any production from Rush to start 2016 is a major bonus.

Next: Stock Down: 49ers Wide Receivers