The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns released their inactives for Week 14, and we have a bit of a surprise. Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch is inactive due to his concussion. He was a limited participant in practice on Friday, but it would seem he did not fully clear the concussion protocol this week.
Lynch's absence is huge for a 49ers pass rush that has been very inconsistent this season. The team will start either Corey Lemonier or Eli Harold opposite Ahmad Brooks, and we'll see some rotation. A couple weeks back when Brooks was out with a concussion, Lemonier was listed as starter, but Harold ended up as the first OLB on the field.
Torrey Smith is active after appearing gimpy in practice this week due to back and toe issues. He has not gotten a ton of looks, but he is coming off a huge overtime touchdown against the Chicago Bears. Maybe the 49ers find ways to get him more actively involved in the action against a Browns defense missing several members of the secondary.
49ers inactives: OLB Aaron Lynch, TE Vance McDonald, LB Michael Wilhoite, OL Ian Silberman, OL Brandon Thomas, CB Chris Davis, WR DeAndrew White
Browns inactives: WR Andrew Hawkins, WR Taylor Gabriel, CB Justin Gilbert, CB Joe Haden, DB Pierre Desir, OL Gabe Ikard, WR Dwayne Bowe