Golden Nuggets: Richard Sherman to Play Against Colts

Good morning folks, and a happy Thursday to you. Not a whole lot to chew on today, as training camp practices are no longer open to the press. In minor news, assumed camp body Cedric Thornton retired after 7 years in the league, and the team replaced him with Chris Jones, a defensive tackle who was with the team for part of the 2016 season. If I were to speculate, I’d guess that the move is purely a training camp filler signing, as the defensive line is one of the deeper positions on the 49ers roster. For prognostication purposes, this likely doesn’t change the roster battles at the bottom of depth chart, meaning that guys like Ronald Blair or Jullian Taylor will still need to make the final push as the preseason’s end draws nearer and nearer.

The other big story, which is some good news for a change, is that Richard Sherman is expected to be ready to play in Saturday’s game in Indianapolis. The former All-Pro has been held out for the preseason thus far, as he returns to form from a 2017 Achilles injury. While the veteran leadership he has provided the defense has been extremely valuable, having his services back should provide an immediate spark to a talented defensive unit that has been under-performing in the previous two preseason games.

On defense, the biggest roster hole is at LEO, and it really isn’t close. Robert Saleh has been working with numerous replacement level players to fill the spot, including Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead, Jeremiah Attaochu, Cassius Marsh, and even Pita Taumoepenu for a short while. None of these guys have proven particularly effective at the position, which has been a major factor in the languishing pass rush. The return of Sherman could, theoretically help that area as well, by strengthening the secondary - which, in turn, will hopefully lead to quarterbacks holding onto the rock for a split second longer. If this is the case, it may allow guys like Thomas or DeForest Buckner to get the extra step that they’ve needed to finish off the play.

The 49ers lack a demon pass rusher | Kurtenbach, Mercury | Almquist, KNBR

49ers replaced retired Cedric Thornton with Chris Jones | Inman, Mercury | Montero, KNBR

Richard Sherman to play Saturday against the Colts | Inman, Mercury | Montero, KNBR | Wagoner, ESPN

Sherman on Kyle Shanahan’s expertise at film breakdown | Almquist, KNBR

How the draftees are faring thus far | Wagoner, KNBR

I’m trying to bring back the Caption This! contest | VD, Niners Nation