Niner Noise
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Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 9

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 09: Blake Jarwin #89 of the Dallas Cowboys fights off the tackle of Elijah Lee #47 of the San Francisco 49ers to take the ball down to the one yard line in the second quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 09: Blake Jarwin #89 of the Dallas Cowboys fights off the tackle of Elijah Lee #47 of the San Francisco 49ers to take the ball down to the one yard line in the second quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Linebacker Elijah Lee

A good chunk of San Francisco’s serious injuries fall on the defensive side of the ball, and a notable one hit at inside linebacker.

Second-year pro Reuben Foster suffered a hamstring injury late in the first half against the Cardinals. He tried to come back, but his efforts were unsuccessful and the 49ers were forced to insert backup linebacker Elijah Lee into his stead.

And one could argue Lee played much better.

Foster has been a disappointment this season, yes. One can point to a lingering shoulder injury as a big part of the problem. Combine that with his hamstring issue (Foster didn’t practice Monday or Tuesday), it would certainly be prudent for the Niners to have Foster sit this game out and heal up, which it appears as if they will.

Despite being used mostly on special teams and in a reserve role, Lee already has 18 tackles (eighth on the team), a sack and one forced fumble. He’s played well in this backup role.

If the Raiders wind up winning this game, it will largely hinge on their defense effectively being able to move the ball.

Lee, should he start, will have to be a factor in preventing anything of the sort from happening.