The San Francisco 49ers have released a statement regarding Ahmad Brooks's charge of misdemeanor sexual battery. Brooks will return to California immediately, and will not play in Saturday's game against the Denver Broncos. He had traveled with the team to Denver for joint practices this week. Here is what Trent Baalke had to say about the charge:
#49ers Trent Baalke: Team "is aware that a misdemeanor charge has been filed against Ahmad Brooks stemming from a December 2014 matter."
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 27, 2015
Baalke: "We take any charge against a member of this organization seriously and are in communication with the NFL." #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 27, 2015
By all accounts the 49ers have not made a decision with regard to Brooks and his future with the team. I've heard people say, "it's only a misdemeanor", but do not ignore the potential severity of the incident, if proven true.
We don't know how this will play out over the coming weeks, but for now, the 49ers outside linebackers consist of Aaron Lynch, Corey Lemonier, Eli Harold, Marcus Rush, and Shawn Lemon. It is my understanding that Nick Bellore has gotten some OLB work as well since returning from the Active/Illness list. If he can handle some OLB work, that would give the 49ers six guys at the position. They do have one open roster spot following the trade of Derek Carrier last week, so they could also add another body if need be.