Analysis: How Will 49ers Replace ILB Armstrong?

SANTA CLARA -- Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong worked his way into a significant role in the 49ers' defense, being used mostly for his coverage skills in passing situations.

He is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral. It's the same injury that safety Antoine Bethea sustained last October that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Bethea returned for the beginning of the 49ers' offseason program in April.

The 49ers have not placed Armstrong on injured reserve, though he will be placed on that list eventually. Currently, the 49ers have no urgency to fill Armstrong's spot on the 53-man roster.

The 49ers could promote a player, such as outside linebacker Marcus Rush or inside linebacker Shayne Skov, to the 53-man roster. But if the team determines any player added would not be among the 46 active players for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, there is no need make a roster move for a while.

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The 49ers could wait two weeks to officially place Armstrong on injured reserve. That's when outside linebacker Aaron Lynch is eligible to be reinstated off the NFL's reserve/suspended list and move Armstrong to injured reserve at that time.

Meanwhile, Gerald Hodges will continue to serve as the 49ers' starting inside linebacker on base downs. Safety Jaquiski Tartt could see more action in the 49ers' sub packages, in essence replacing Hodges with another player who can be used in coverage.

Michael Wilhoite, who started 28 games the past two seasons, is the top backup at both inside linebacker positions. Nick Bellore is the fourth inside linebacker on the team.

In two games, Armstrong ranked tied for sixth on the team with nine tackles (according to the coaches review of the game film) with an interception and a fumble recovery.

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