49ers DC DeMeco Ryans seeing added explosion from edge rusher Samson Ebukam

Coming out of their Bye Week, the 49ers hope to end their losing streak at three games. As the team gears up for their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, one defensive contributor seems to be firing on all cylinders after dealing with an injury.

In defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ weekly media availability on Thursday, he was asked how edge rusher Samson Ebukam has looked in practice this week. He told reporters that “Samson has looked fine in practice. I think the explosion and everything is back. I think he’s feeling the Bye Week. It did him well. So, I think he looked explosive to me in practice, and he’ll be fine to go.”

While Ebukam has appeared in all five 49ers games this season, he missed multiple practices the week before the Niners' 17-10 loss to the Cardinals in Week 5 with a hamstring injury. Ebukam also missed substantial time throughout the preseason with a right knee injury.

This offseason, the 49ers signed Ebukam away from the Los Angeles Rams to a two-year, $12 million contract to solidify the team’s edge depth behind Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. Ebukam was signed to take advantage of weaker assignments while opposing lines focus on other stars on the 49ers defensive line Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead. However, he’s struggled to replicate his previous production in San Francisco. Ebukam has recorded 14 tackles, two hurries, and one quarterback hit so far this season.

Known for his speed off the edge, Ebukam could be more prone to seeing his production dip when he’s dealing with minor injuries, which could explain Ebukam’s slow start to the season. If the former fourth-round pick is back on the mend, he could finally be ready for a standout performance.