The San Francisco 49ers shook up their depth chart a little bit on Thursday, giving linebacker Eli Harold some first team work over Ahmad Brooks in the SAM outside linebacker role. Harold has been the second team SAM through camp, and got 15 snaps on defense last week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 49ers starting linebackers have been Brooks at SAM, Reuben Foster at WILL, and NaVorro Bowman at MIKE. Harold has backed up Brooks, while Armstrong has been the primary backup at the other positions. Brock Coyle’s return from a rib injury likely means he will get some second team work with Armstrong.
Kyle Shanahan said the starters will likely get 20 or so snaps on Saturday against the Denver Broncos. I would guess Brooks will be part of that group, but I am curious to see if Harold gets some work with the 1s, or if this was just a one-off thing. Harold is on the roster bubble, but his ability to play SAM and edge should benefit him in the roster crunch.