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49ers vs. Seahawks: 5 San Francisco players to watch in Week 13

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers leaves the field after receiving medical attention during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers leaves the field after receiving medical attention during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Rashod Hill #69 of the Minnesota Vikings blocks Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Rashod Hill #69 of the Minnesota Vikings blocks Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Defensive End Solomon Thomas

Following linebacker Reuben Foster’s release, the 49ers desperately need to get something out of their top investments in the 2017 NFL Draft, namely defensive end Solomon Thomas.

Thomas has been seeing more time on the inside the past few games, which is where he’ll make his biggest impact. And while he hasn’t been a big factor in the traditional stats, per se, he at least managed to register two pressures in this kind of role back in Week 12.

While improved ever since letting former offensive line coach Tom Cable walk, the Seahawks O-line still remains a major weakness. According to Football Outsiders, Seattle’s O-line ranks 29th in pass protection and has given up a total of 34 sacks on the year. Only quarterback Russell Wilson’s mobility has prevented that number from being even higher.

Thomas’ primary assignments, provided he stays on the inside, will be a combination of Seahawks right tackle Germain Ifedi and right guard D.J. Fluker. This tandem has allowed a combined five sacks on the season.

A nice effort from Thomas on Sunday would do wonders, lessening the worries the 49ers have about Thomas being a bust pick.