4 things 49ers must accomplish in preseason opener vs. Chiefs
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers must identify their supplemental pass-rushers
Kyle Shanahan also told reporters his top two edge rushers, Nick Bosa and Dee Ford, are both expected to sit for Saturday’s contest.
Smart, considering both players are returning from serious injuries suffered last year.
Additionally, EDGE Samson Ebukam has been nicked up, and there’s a good chance the Niners let him rest and recover in advance of the regular season, too.
After those three, the outside pass-rushing depth is noticeably thin and questionable.
Read More: 49ers vs. Chiefs: Preseason odds, injuries, how to watch
EDGE Arden Key might be a focal-point player, particularly if he’s able to put his previous three years with the Las Vegas Raiders behind him where he netted merely three sacks. While Key is by no means guaranteed a roster spot, he might be the only option worthy of being that fourth and final outside edge rusher on the 53-man roster.
Unless someone like EDGE Shilique Calhoun suddenly emerges as a candidate.
The time to watch this will be throughout the first quarter when Kansas City’s first-string offensive line is still on the field. The Chiefs spent considerable effort rebuilding their O-line during the offseason, which means backups like Key and Calhoun will be given every opportunity to prove their value.
Even if the plan is to rely much more heavily on Bosa, Ford and Ebukam this season.