49ers name three former Washington players as team captains

The San Francisco 49ers announced five team captains on Sunday, and it was partially a chance to tweak Washington. The five captains are wide receiver Pierre Garçon, tight end Logan Paulsen, wide receiver Aldrick Robinson, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and linebacker Elijah Lee.

The team normally has three captains, with one on offense, one on defense, and one on special teams. Garçon, Paulsen, and Robinson all spent a sizable chunk of their respective careers with Washington. I have always enjoyed how teams play it up a bit when former players are getting a chance against their old team. I am curious if Kyle Shanahan wanted to send a message of sorts to his former team.

We know Buckner will be plenty busy, and the same is true of Lee. While Buckner will focus on defense, Lee has been a core special teamer since he signed on September 13. The question this week is how much time he might get at linebacker. NaVorro Bowman is gone and Reuben Foster is inactive. I could see Lee and Mark Nzeocha both getting some opportunities on defense behind Ray Ray Armstrong and Brock Coyle.