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San Francisco 49ers: 5 biggest questions facing the defense in 2017

By Peter Panacy

December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) is attended to during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) is attended to during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Injuries, Injuries, Injuries

OK, so this isn’t so much of a question as it is a worry.

The 49ers were hit hard by the injury bug last season. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman was hit with a season-ending Achilles injury early in the year. And fellow linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong suffered a torn pectoral in Week 2.

These two injuries alone depleted San Francisco’s already thin linebacker corps. And it didn’t help the Niners lost defensive end Arik Armstead to a shoulder injury, especially after he was having a phenomenal training camp and preseason in 2016.

Injuries likely prompted general manager John Lynch to add some reinforcements via free agency and the NFL Draft.

As noted on the first slide, guys like linebacker Malcolm Smith provide a substantially better upgrade over last year’s backups, Michael Wilhoite and Nick Bellore, at this respective position.

But the injury worries will continue into 2017 as well.

Bowman now has dealt with two serious injuries, and Foster has his shoulder concerns. Safety Eric Reid has a concussion history, and one can only wonder if Armstead’s shoulder will be a nagging problem.

And then there’s linebacker Aaron Lynch, who was dealing with an ankle injury in 2016.

Speaking of Lynch…