Fooch’s update: The Jaguars confirmed the move.
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of linebacker Brandon Chubb to the practice squad on Monday, and it would appear to be a move to replace outside linebacker Marcus Rush. Matt Barrows is reporting Rush is set to sign to the Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster today.
Earlier this month, Chip Kelly was asked about potentially promoting Rush to the 53-man roster. At the time, he said there had been no discussion about promoting him, and instead suggested it would only happen if the team had lost Aaron Lynch (or another outside linebacker) for the rest of the year.
Lynch Rush led the NFL with six sacks in the preseason. He also had an interception, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus graded him among the best preseason pass rushers in the NFL, but also graded him as one of the worst run defenders among 3-4 outside linebackers. We don’t know for certain why the 49ers did not promote Rush to the 53-man roster this season, but it seems like his work against the run would probably be one of the reasons.
When a player with a practice squad signs to another team’s 53-man roster, he must get paid for at least three weeks work. It is safe to say with only two games left, Rush will remain on the Jaguars 53-man roster the rest of the season and be a member of the Jaguars heading into their 2017 offseason workout program.
It is entirely possible he does nothing in the NFL and is waived by the Jaguars during roster cuts next year. However, it would have been nice to at least see him get some kind of opportunity with a 49ers pass rush that has been abysmal much of the season. Even just to see what he could do against opposing first team pass protection. Instead, he’s gone, and that’s that.