A lot of the defensive personnel decisions depend on the team's needs against any given opponent. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh explained on Thursday.
"First and foremost, it always starts with the opponent and what they do best," Saleh told reporters. "Whether we need to get big or smaller is the first thing (in the) run game, pass game. With regards to the overall roster, we feel good where it's at with the D-line.
"It's unfortunate there are some healthy scratches in there that deserve to be playing like -- love what Ronnie Blair is doing and not having him up was more of, 'Let's get Aaron and Tank [Carradine] out there to see what they can do. Same thing with [Leger Douzable].
RELATED
"So just giving people an opportunity to go out there and put tape out there. They're deserving. They work their tails off so sometimes it's just a matter of guys are working really hard and they deserve an opportunity to play.
"What's cool about this team and where's it's going is it's becoming a very selfless team in regards to those D-lineman are all really pulling for each other. Yeah, I'm sure a guy like D.J. Jones is frustrated that he can't be active but he's pulling for the guys who are active and vice versa. Douzable not being up last week pulling for Lynch and Tank to do very well.
"So, that part with the D-lineman having each other's back, that part is cool and that's really what it's coming down to is that there are some healthy scratches that can be on the football field. But, again, it's giving guys opportunities to play. Who deserves it with their practice habits?"
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers sign DE Robert Beal Jr. to practice squad
The San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive end Robert Beal Jr. to their practice squad as they prepare for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown. Beal Jr. (6-4, 250) was... -
49ers insider explains why another blockbuster trade is unlikely
The San Francisco 49ers made a significant move this week, sending a 2027 fourth-round draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. The trade reunites the All-Pro with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL... -
49ers' John Lynch explains why Jauan Jennings trade fell through
On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reports that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings had turned down an opportunity to return to the San Francisco 49ers via trade. However, Shanahan's explanation suggested the situation was less about Jennings rejecting... -
49ers players react to blockbuster DeForest Buckner trade
The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a blockbuster trade Tuesday afternoon, acquiring Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. The move reunites Buckner with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in...