SF 49ers depth chart: Predicting Week 3 starting lineup amid injuries
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers Defensive Line
Nose Tackle: D.J. Jones
Defensive Tackle: Javon Kinlaw
Right Defensive End: Kerry Hyder
Left Defensive End: Arik Armstead
Few 49ers fans envisioned this is how the team’s starting defensive lineup would be this early in the season, but that’s the reality after losing both Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas to what are likely going to be long-term injuries.
The Niners are likely to onboard a free-agent pass-rusher between now and Week 3. And the team can hope for EDGE Dee Ford, who missed Week 2 with neck spasms, to get back on the field here soon.
But even if Ford is ready to go, it’s likely San Francisco holds off on rushing him back into the fray prematurely. Kyle Shanahan said as much in his postgame presser after beating the Jets.
One player who benefited from Bosa’s premature absence was EDGE Kerry Hyder, who registered eight combined tackles with two of them coming for a loss. Considering Hyder’s previous relationship with Niners defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek, from their time together with the Detroit Lions, one figures defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will have to rely heavier on Hyder moving forward.
And if there was any questions about the first-round rookie, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, starting from this point forward, the Niners essentially have no choice now.