5 best standout studs from 49ers Week 12 win vs. Vikings
By Peter Panacy
49ers Stud No. 3: Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair
The Niners saw their linebacker depth tested to the extreme in Week 12. Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw and Marcell Harris all exited the game with injuries.
Warner’s groin injury is of the utmost concern, of course, but it was a bit concerning to see Greenlaw exit after making his return to the field for the first time since initially suffering his own groin injury way back in Week 1.
Greenlaw’s exit didn’t matter much, though, as San Francisco has continued to get exceptional play from third-year linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Not only did Al-Shaair lead the 49ers defense with eight tackles, he was also instrumental in both of their defensive takeaways, too, hopping on a loose-ball fumble by Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, who was injured on the play, then picking off quarterback Kirk Cousins and returning the interception all the way to the Minnesota 2-yard line:
OK Azeez! The pick to set up the score and make it 28-14 #49ers. #MINvsSF on FOX pic.twitter.com/MtSlohgB88
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 28, 2021
The Niners scored a touchdown the very next play.
Al-Shaair’s play stood out among San Francisco’s defense, and it’s becoming clearer he’s the better linebacker over Greenlaw.
How that plays out in 2022 and beyond is anyone’s guess. But for now, the 49ers sure are happy with Al-Shaair’s efforts this season.