49ers training camp: What we learned with Week 1 in the books

What we learned from 49ers training camp: Defensive tackle depth gets tested early

The 49ers’ defensive philosophy is a pretty easy one to describe: use four pass-rushers to primarily rattle the quarterback while utilizing the remaining seven in coverage.

Easy to describe, yes, but much harder to execute. Good starters and excellent depth are a must, and the Niners are being tested early.

Defensive tackles Arik Armstead and Hassan Ridgeway are currently out for the short term with injuries, while the very talented Maurice Hurst is likely out for the season with a torn biceps injury. Fellow defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has also been out, but head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed his return to training camp and can be considered off the injury list.

Armstead and Kinlaw are the current presumptive starters, and the good news is San Francisco can utilize talents such as rookie Drake Jackson as interior pass-rushers on obvious passing downs.

The team is being tested when it comes to depth, and it’ll be interesting to see what it does when it comes to the backup options.