Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 10 players who should see more playing time over the rest of 2017

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers smiles after catching a pass for a touchdown during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers smiles after catching a pass for a touchdown during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball while being pressured by Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball while being pressured by Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Defensive Lineman Ronald Blair

One of the last remaining roster holdovers from the Trent Baalke era, second-year pro defensive lineman Ronald Blair has spent the entirety of 2017 on injured reserve with a thumb injury.

But the 49ers have the option to activate two IR players after the mandatory waiting period, meaning Blair could return to action as early as Week 9, according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (h/t David Fucillo of Niners Nation).

And Better Rivals’ Oscar Aparicio is one person enticed by the possibility of Blair’s return:

Blair flashed some promise towards the end of last season, eventually recording three sacks and finishing the year with 11 total tackles.

Like the 49ers offensive line, the defensive line has also gone through a sizable chunk of injuries. And with the rookie, Solomon Thomas (knee), out for the foreseeable future, Blair should get an increased look.

Heck, maybe one of Baalke’s late-round picks winds up working out.