Will Marcus Rush's Big Night Earn a Job With 49ers?

Former Michigan State standout, fighting for a job at linebacker, had six sacks in the preseason

It’s possible that Marcus Rush’s big night Thursday was all for nothing. It’s possible that even with a strong training camp and some excellent exhibition games, the former Michigan State standout will be a roster casualty when the 49ers pare their players down to 53 for the start of the regular season.

But there’s no doubt Rush did his best against the Chargers to either earn a job or make it very difficult on Chip Kelly and his coaching staff to release him.

In San Diego Thursday night, Rush had a terrific game. He had a game-clinching interception in the fourth quarter, plus two sacks and a forced fumble. He finished the exhibition season with six sacks and eight tackles.

He’s caught in a numbers game at linebacker, with the 49ers expected to keep seven. Going into last night’s game, those seven were most likely to be NaVorro Bowman, Ahmad Brooks, Eli Harold, Michael Wilhoite, Tank Carradine, Ray-Ray Armstrong and Nick Bellore. However, a knee injury could keep Bellore off the roster temporarily. If that’s the case, Rush may be able to stick around.

Rush was excited after Thursday night’s game, posting a picture of himself on Twitter returning the interception with the message, “Nothing like some football with the boys! Unreal way to end the preseason!”

After Thursday’s game, Kelly said Rush is “just a guy that continues to show up” and make big plays. Kelly pointed out Rush’s strip sack vs. the Broncos earlier this summer and his big night vs. the Chargers.

Kelly told the media that he and his staff will take a “really good and long (look)” at Rush before cutting the roster to the opening-day limit.

The 49ers will open the regular season on Monday night, Sept. 12, vs. the Los Angeles Rams.

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