DeMeco Ryans on backup OLB Azeez Al-Shaair: "That's the way a linebacker should play," OLB Dre Greenlaw to IR
9/16/21 | News, Notes, and Quotes
Coach DeMeco Ryans on backup OLB Azeez Al-Shaair:
“Azeez did a really great job. He stood out. I mean everyone can see the effort, the tackling in space, the way he played--that’s the way a linebacker should play and he made a lot of plays for us.”
Something I pointed out on Taco Tuesday with Jerry Yang; as Jerry asked me for my top 49ers performers Week 1, Al-Shaair was roaming all over the field and played sound football from snap to whistle. Credit to him. You can catch that YouTube video below.
This was good news for a player who I was highly critical of last year. My grading system reflects why. In 2020, Al-Shaair was criticized for the following:
5 missed run-fit assignments
Team backup-high 6 missed tackles vs run (DEF front 7)
Team backup-high 2 missed tackles vs pass (DEF front 7)
Targeted 21/30 for 232 passing yards yielded
57% of completions good for 1st-downs (12)
4 20+ BIG plays
However, there was a drastic improvement from the Florida Atlantic product in Week 1 vs Detroit Lions. I keep things 100. When a player does well, I give credit. When he doesn’t, I give constructive criticism. Don’t like it as a player? Play better. And that’s what Al-Shaair did. Not hating just saying what others are already seeing--the film doesn’t lie.
OLB Dre Greenlaw (groin) sent to IR
The positive news for Al-Shaair is bittersweet. The 49ers starting OLB at weakside linebacker will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. First reported by Matt Barrows of the Athletic.
Greenlaw suffered a groin injury when he intercepted a pass thrown by Lions QB Jared Goff (as he was the underneath curl/flat defender) and returned it 39-yards for a pick-six. The play right before halftime set the tone for what many thought--would be a blowout.
He was ruled out for the remainder of the game and now will require surgery. This is nothing new. If you follow me on Twitch, YouTube, Discord, and here on BEASTwriter+ you would know how I feel when it comes to the 49ers strength and conditioning program. Nothing new and not surprised. Al-Shaair will now start in place of Greenlaw on the weakside.
What is a groin injury?
Greenlaw now becomes the 7th player to go on IR. The recovery time for his surgery is based on the degree of the strain. This sounds like a complete tear which means, Greenlaw’s recovery is 10-12 weeks.
A groin strain is an injury or tear to any of the adductor muscles of the thigh [Armstead]. Sudden and sharp movements usually trigger an acute groin strain, such as twisting to change direction while running, or jumping.
Injured Reserve (IR)
OT Shon Coleman (tricep strain)
DT Maurice Hurst (high ankle sprain)
CB Davontae Harris (hamstring)
WR Jalen Hurd (ACL)
CB Jason Verrett (ACL)
RB Raheem Mostert (osteoarthritis/knee)
OLB Dre Greenlaw (groin)
Depending on where the 49ers are positioned for a playoff run will ultimately determine his status for the remainder of the season, in my opinion. No use rushing a player back in a bleak season.
Armstead who already is dealing with an adductor injury could be next. Groin injuries are tied to the adductor. This is why the BEASTwriter+ Newsletter is hot. No one connects the dots or takes time to peel back layers of the onion to get to the core. But I got you covered.
As the injuries continue to pile up for the 49ers, it remains to be seen, if things will change. Time will tell.
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