Long text message shows Armstead took Wilks’ challenge seriously

49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has learned very quickly why Arik Armstead's nickname is "Blueprint." The veteran defensive lineman is a team captain for a reason, and Wilks learned firsthand why Armstead is a resource for many of his defensive teammates. "I talked to him the other day," Wilks said on Thursday. "He wasn't practicing and just was talking about a few things, [and I asked] 'Are you ready?' And I think in a subliminal way, I was joking with the coaching staff. "He sent me a long detailed text about everything in the run game with Pittsburgh and I said, 'Yeah, I think he's ready.' It was definitely detailing everything that they're doing and what we need to do to make sure that we attack it." Armstead is known as a film junkie and clearly nothing has changed as he heads into his ninth NFL season. The defensive tackle is fully healthy after battling a foot injury that sidelined him for eight regular-season contests in 2022. The three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee has been a consistent contributor on the practice field that has helped Wilks smoothly acclimate to the 49ers' defense. "Very impressed," Wilks said of Armstead's breakdown of the Steelers...