51 Azeez Al-Shaair OLB

Al-Shaair finished the 2020 season with 35 tackles (22 solo), an interception and a forced fumble across 16 games.

Al-Shaair spent the majority of the year as a backup and special-teams contributor, only topping 58 percent of defensive snaps once (Week 17). The third-year pro is a well-rounded linebacker who could reach IDP relevance if given an opportunity to start. That said, Al-Shaair is a restricted free agent who is well-liked by the organization, so returning as a backup to Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw is a strong possibility for him in 2021.

Al-Shaair is active for Sunday's matchup against the Rams.

Al-Shaair's activation bolsters San Franciso's linebacking corps, and his services may be needed on the defensive side with Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring) being ruled out at the weakside linebacker spot. Joe Walker is poised to step into the starting role at that position, but Al-Shaair could be in line for increased playing time. Over 10 appearances this season, Al-Shaair has earned three starts while fielding 30-plus defensive snaps on three different occasions.

Al-Shaair recorded 18 tackles (11 solo) over 15 games during the 2019 regular season.

Al-Shaair was picked up by San Francisco after a serious knee injury caused him to go undrafted out of Florida Atlantic. The 22-year-old cracked the 53-man roster out of camp, and showed enough to the coaching staff to stick around for the entire campaign. Al-Shaair is under contract for two more years, so he will compete for a backup role behind projected starters Kwon Alexander, Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.

Al-Shaair (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Al-Shaair was able to fully clear the concussion protocol this week, limiting his absence to one game. The 22-year-old has played a minor defensive role for the 49ers with seven tackles in nine games, and that doesn't seem likely to change this week.

Al-Shaair (concussion) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Al-Shaair missed last week's game against the Cardinals due to the concussion but appears on track to play Week 12. It remains unclear if the 22-year-old has fully cleared the concussion protocol.

Al-Shaair (concussion) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Al-Shaair was initially listed questionable for Week 11 but apparently wasn't close enough to clearing the concussion protocol to warrant being a game-day decision. It will be the first absence of the season for the 22-year-old.

Al-Shaair (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports..

Al-Shaair turned in two limited practices to finish the week but must still clear the concussion protocol prior to kickoff Sunday. The 22-year-old had been seeing more snaps on defense recently, so he'll make every attempt to be out there.

Al-Shaair (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Al-Shaair wasn't able to participate in Wednesday's practice, so Thursday's limited session represents tangible progress as he works through the league's five-step concussion protocol. The starting linebacker participated in non-contact drills Thursday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. If Al-Shaair doesn't receive full clearance in time for Sunday's tilt against the Cardinals, expect Mark Nzeocha to play an expanded role on defense.

Al-Shaair (concussion) was at practice Thursday in a no-contact jersey, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Al-Shaair suffered the concussion in Monday's game against the Seahawks. He is making progress through the concussion protocol, but he still has some hurdles to clear.

Al-Shaair has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday's contest against the Seahawks due to a concussion.

Al-Shaair will now have to pass concussion protocol testing before he can return to the field. For the remainder of the contest, look for Elijah Lee to take over at SAM linebacker.

Al-Shaair is likely to start at strongside linebacker in Week 10 against the Seahawks, Kelana Martin of the 49ers' official site reports.

Al-Shaair took over at the SAM position after Kwon Alexander departed Thursday's matchup against the Cardinals with a torn pectoral muscle, forcing Dre Greenlaw to the weak side. With Alexander out for the year, Al-Shaair gets the chance to seize a starting role going forward. He has seven tackles on the season while playing primarily on special teams.

Al-Shaair (knee) had two tackles (one solo) in Saturday's preseason game at Kansas City.

Al-Shaair suffered a torn ACL in October that helped lead to him going undrafted, but he's played in all three preseason contests for the 49ers. The 22-year-old would serve as a reserve linebacker if he survives this weekend's roster cutdown.

Al-Shaair (knee) signed with the 49ers last week as an undrafted free agent, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

The torn ACL that Al-Shaair suffered last October prevented him from getting drafted, but the linebacker has some potential if his health checks out fine ahead of the upcoming season. The owner of Florida Atlantic's all-time tackle record, Al-Shaair was able to participate in agility drills at his pro day in April, suggesting that he's progressing nicely in his recovery. There's still a solid chance he could open training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.