49ers co-leading sacker Aaron Lynch hit with four-game suspension
A big part of the 49ers defense is going to be sidelined to start the regular season
By
John Breech
•
1 min read
When Chip Kelly gets to training camp later this month, one of the first things he's probably going to want to do is find a way to replace the guy who led the 49ers in sacks last year: Aaron Lynch.
The NFL announced on Friday that Lynch has been suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
General manager Trent Baalke said in a statement that he hopes the suspension can be a learning experience for Lynch.
"While disappointed to hear the news regarding Aaron today, we support and respect the league's decision. We are confident that he will learn from this matter and that he understands what is expected of him moving forward."
Losing Lynch is a blow to the 49ers defense. The outside linebacker racked up 6.5 sacks last season, which tied Ahmad Brooks for the team lead and marks the second year in a row that Lynch tied for the team lead in sacks. As a rookie in 2014, the fifth-round pick recorded six sacks, which also tied Brooks for the highest number on the team.
Lynch will miss a meaty part of the 49ers schedule. Not only will the linebacker miss the team's opener vs. the Rams, but he'll also miss games at Carolina, at Seattle and at home vs. Dallas.
The linebacker will be eligible to return to the 49ers active roster on Oct. 3. In the mean time, Lynch is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.
If the 49ers stick to their depth chart, Eli Harold will likely take Lynch's place while he's out.
