Niner Noise
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Final Projections for the 49ers’ 53-man Roster

By Nicholas McGee

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) poses for photographs with fans following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) poses for photographs with fans following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) prior to the game 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 outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebackers

Active Roster: NaVorro Bowman, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Gerald Hodges, Nick Bellore

Cut: Michael Wilhoite, Shayne Skov

Thursday’s matchup in San Diego made it clear that Michael Wilhoite’s time with the 49ers is coming to an end.

Wilhoite played deep into the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium and missed a number of tackles and remains a liability in coverage.

The 49ers don’t need an inside linebacker who cannot cover given NaVorro Bowman’s struggles in that department in 2015, and Ray-Ray Armstrong and Gerald Hodges now seem set to compete for playing time next to Bowman this season.

At this point the edge probably goes to Armstrong, whose previous experience at safety has been evident in how he has closed quickly in pursuit and his play in coverage.

Special teamer Nick Bellore has produced play that hinted he could be a dependable emergency option if called upon, but the Niners will obviously hope it never comes to that.

Next: Outside Linebackers