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Who’s up, who’s down: 49ers Week 6 stock watch after loss to Redskins

By Peter Panacy

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on after throwing an interception against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on after throwing an interception against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Running back Mack Brown #34 of the Washington Redskins eludes outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong #54 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Running back Mack Brown #34 of the Washington Redskins eludes outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong #54 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Linebackers Ray-Ray Armstrong and Brock Coyle

The linebacker position was supposed to be a unit of strength for the 49ers entering 2017. Fans envisioned NaVorro Bowman playing alongside the highly touted rookie, Reuben Foster, replicating the days when Bowman and Patrick Willis patrolled the Niners defense.

Foster (knee) practiced this week but remained inactive — a likely precautionary move.

Instead, San Francisco was forced to roll out backup linebackers Ray-Ray Armstrong and Brock Coyle. These two combined for 14 tackles during the game, but a number of coverage mistakes and missed tackles reminded many 49ers fans and analysts of last year’s linebacking tandem:

It’s a drop off. A big one.

Armstrong played much better in the second half before allowing a huge 51-yard reception to Redskins linebacker Vernon Davis that paved the way to a key Washington touchdown.

As a backup, Armstrong is good enough. And as a special teams ace, Coyle has a solidified role.

Neither is cut out to be a starter, though.

Stock: Down