Throughout training camp, the San Francisco 49ers worked a rotation of linebackers to determine who to would start at inside linebacker with All Pro NaVorro Bowman. The rotation was between Ray Ray Armstrong, Gerald Hodges, and Michael Wilhoite. All three shared drives relatively evenly during the preseason. Head coach Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil gave praise evenly to each player through the preseason.
Week 1 vs. Rams: Armstrong emerged as the starter and played the majority of defensive snaps (42, 69%), with Hodges (19, 31%) significantly less, and Wilhoite limited only to special teams.