San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks reportedly benched himself in the first half of the team’s win over the New York Giants.
Lost in the shuffle of the San Francisco 49ers defense throttling Eli Manning and the New York Giants was the linebacker rotation that was hardly a rotation after a certain point. With Aldon Smith returning from suspension, it was linebacker Ahmad Brooks who lost the bulk of the snaps to be had, but it’s unclear whether that was a team decision or if it was the more likely result of Brooks benching himself.
More from NFL
- NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers sets Jets up for Super Bowl run with new contract
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Packers training camp news: Jordan Love struggles, Bakhtiari schedule, position switch
- 3 Cowboys who won’t be on the roster after training camp
- Packers: Aaron Rodgers reached out to Jordan Love this offseason
The rotation was supposed to be Smith, Brooks and rookie Aaron Lynch on the outside linebacker slot. Instead, it quickly became Smith and Lynch while Ahmad Brooks sat on the sideline without his helmet on or even his shoe taped. Brooks confirmed after the game that he was healthy, but he wouldn’t confirm why he didn’t see the field after the second quarter.
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was equally mum on the situation. “We have something we’re working through,” Harbaugh said, per CSN Bay Area.
Those words seem pretty telling though. Brooks, who was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl last year, was likely miffed to be sharing snaps further with a rookie, but Aaron Lynch ended up impressing with a sack, two QB hits and two tackles for losses. Even Lynch couldn’t tell you why he played in Brooks’ stead though.
“Honestly, I don’t know what happened there,” Lynch said of Brooks. “I don’t know what the deal was. I love the guy. He’s a big brother to me. As far as what happened off the field or on the field, I don’t know what happened.”
Despite the odd circumstances, the 49ers stood by Brooks, concluding, “We need Ahmad Brooks to win a championship,” Jim Harbaugh said. “I feel that wholeheartedly and have felt that way.”
More from FanSided
- NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers sets Jets up for Super Bowl run with new contract
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return