49ers vs. Chargers: 5 Players to Watch for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker Marcus Rush
Linebacker Marcus Rush has been one of the better storylines for the 49ers this preseason.
He is currently tied for second in the NFL with four preseason sacks. That doesn’t mean anything, aside from helping his roster chances, but it’s a good sign to see nonetheless.
Rush is still on the roster bubble. But after his strong performances against the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers in preseason Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, one has to consider him a strong chance to make the 53-man group.
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This will be important for the 49ers as well.
San Francisco is going to be without its top pass-rusher, linebacker Aaron Lynch (suspension), for the first four games of the regular season.
For a team that ranked 29th in the league last year with just 28 sacks, generating pressure is going to be one of the key ways head coach Chip Kelly can limit the damage and risk to his defense.
It’s especially important considering Kelly’s uptempo offense.
Rush has the chance to solidify himself as a situational pass-rusher and regular rotation member within the Niners defense.
Look for him to be a factor.
Next: Linebacker Corey Lemonier