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49ers suddenly grasping for linebackers

By Dave Del Grande, The Sports Xchange
Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls runs past San Francisco 49ers linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) for a 31-yard run touchdown at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on November 22, 2015. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 29-13. Rawls set a single game rookie rushing record by running for 209 yards. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI
1 of 2 | Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls runs past San Francisco 49ers linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) for a 31-yard run touchdown at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on November 22, 2015. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 29-13. Rawls set a single game rookie rushing record by running for 209 yards. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Coming off a 29-13 loss at Seattle in which the Seahawks totaled 508 yards despite missing their leading rusher, the San Francisco 49ers clearly have identified their problem on defense.

The linebackers.

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The club made two moves to shore up the position this week, adding Kevin Snyder to the practice squad and claiming Ray-Ray Armstrong off waivers.

Armstrong surely is the headline-grabber of the two. The outside linebacker barely cleared out his locker across the bay in Oakland, where he was cut by the Raiders on Tuesday, before he got the call that he was needed in San Francisco.

The three-year veteran has made five NFL starts for the Raiders and St. Louis Cardinals, including two this season for Oakland. He played in all 10 of the Raiders' game before getting axed.

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The 49ers could have an immediate need for Armstrong as it was disclosed Wednesday that starting outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks was in the NFL's concussion protocol after showing up at the club's facility with a headache.

Snyder, an inside linebacker, is considered more of a long-term prospect. The rookie from Rutgers sustained a hand injury during the preseason while trying to earn a spot on the Lions' roster, and was on Detroit's injured reserve until getting waived Oct. 13.

--Speaking of injured reserve: The 49ers announced Wednesday that season-ending surgeries on quarterback Colin Kaepernick's torn labrum and defensive end Glenn Dorsey's torn ACL went well Tuesday.

Kaepernick's recovery time is expected to be four to six months, meaning he should be healthy -- or close to it -- when the 49ers need to make a decision on his 2016 contract on April 1. He would be guaranteed $11.7 million for next season if the 49ers retain him on the roster past that date.

Dorsey likely will not be fully recovered for the start of the 2016 season.

--Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson was added to the 49ers' practice squad Tuesday. The San Francisco native has played for Miami, Minnesota, New England and the 49ers in his five-year NFL career.

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--Running back Carlos Hyde (foot) did not practice Wednesday and is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Hyde hasn't played since the Oct. 22.

--Center Daniel Kilgore began his second week of practice with the 49ers as he attempts to recover from a broken leg he sustained last season. He likely will be activated before season's end.

--Defensive Glenn Dorsey underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee Tuesday. The injury occurred Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Dorsey was placed on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday after having started all 10 games this season, recording 36 tackles and one sack. He likely will not be ready for the start of the 2016 season.

--Inside linebacker Kevin Snyder was added to the 49ers' practice squad Tuesday. The former Rutgers standout injured his hand while attempting to make the Lions as an undrafted rookie this year, then was waived Oct. 13 after a stint on Detroit's injured reserve.

--Outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks began the NFL's concussion protocol Wednesday after showing up at the 49ers' practice facility with a headache. He is questionable for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

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