After Aldon Smith departure
Should Aaron Lynch replace him on the starting lineup?
SANTA CLARA – Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch made his return to work and wasted little time providing as a top candidate to help fill that role in the San Francisco 49ers pass-rush attack.
Two weeks ago outside linebacker Aldon Smith was released from the 49ers squad, and Lynch would have been the next player in line to enter the starting lineup. An undisclosed injury kept him out of teamwork until now.
On the start of his training session, Lynch made a fast rush and got around the edge to track down backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert from the blind side for a sack. Lynch said “It felt real good to get back out there, running around and engaging in football”
Lynch tied Ahmad Brooks last season for the 49ers lead with six sacks, and tallying 23 tackles, four pass deflections and one blocked punt on the season. It’s fair to say that Lynch could be starting on the left and Brooks on the right as outside linebackers.
The last year rookie always acknowledged the San Francisco’s remaining depth at outside linebacker with Ahmad Brooks, Corey Lemonier and Eli Harold among the talented group still competing for playing time.
When asked about his expectation for this year, the 22-year-old stressed the importance of the team over the individual.
“Honestly, I’m just here to do exactly what I’m told to do, and that’s play football,” Lynch said. “That’s what they drafted me last year to do, and that’s what I’m here to do. Anything I can do to help out the team. If my role is to start or my role is to backup or my role is just nickel packages or whatever, that’s my role, I’m going to go 100 percent, and that’s it.”
A back injury limited Lynch during the first two weeks of practice. But, the linebacker returned to 11-on-11 drills with some first-team reps at left outside linebacker.
“I did something to my back and it kept me out a little bit, but now that’s behind me. I’m just full steam ahead” Lynch said.
The linebacker didn’t play in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans, but there is no need in playing catchup to Eric Mangini’s new defensive scheme. Lynch studied throughout the summer and was on the team facility during the offseason program.
He feels “The terminology is different, but we still run the same 3-4 type of defense,” Lynch said. “We do some things different, but not much has changed. Just more the terminology, so I’m trying to plug in what you did last year to what you’re doing this year, and try to remember.”
Lynch, Jimmie Ward and Kendall Hunter were among the players who did not travel to Houston for the 49ers’ exhibition opener.
JEstevez@EMIsportsCentral.com
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