49ers Injury Update: ILB Ray-Ray Armstrong Placed on Injured Reserve
The San Francisco 49ers might be without Ray-Ray Armstrong for the rest of the season, as the 25-year-old inside linebacker suffered a pectoral injury in the Niners’ Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The San Francisco 49ers’ Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers stings a bit more now, as inside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong ended up being placed on injured reserve Tuesday.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee was one of the first to report the news:
Armstrong suffered a pectoral injury on Sunday and had to be removed from the game.
Up to that point, the 25-year-old veteran had emerged as one of the better Niners linebackers. Entering training camp, Armstrong’s versatility to play inside, outside our even as a coverage safety made him a flexible tool in defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil’s defense.
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) leaps over San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) while being tackled by outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Armstrong also had one interception under his belt this season — seen below. He also registered seven tackles and one assist over two games.
Interception! Ray! Ray! Armstrong 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/3RMlr0Bh2k#GoNiners
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) September 13, 2016
Per David Fucillo of Niners Nation, Armstrong could return this year if the pectoral injury doesn’t include a tear.
San Francisco has a few chips with which to work. Fellow linebacker Gerald Hodges has been splitting reps with Armstrong early this season. Primarily a run-stopper, Hodges could be called upon to fill more of a pass-defense role.
Additionally, veteran linebacker Michael Wilhoite could also see an increased role. Wilhoite was a major liability in coverage last year though.
Another thought is to have second-year safety Jaquiski Tartt drop down in coverage. Tartt has been seen as a hybrid safety before, so such a move wouldn’t be too surprising.
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At any rate, the loss is a tough one for San Francisco.
Armstrong had been one of the better Niners defenders the last two weeks. Now is the time someone else needs to step up and fill the void.
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.
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