The San Francisco 49ers want the starting lineup to be a meritocracy. Position battles will always be an ongoing competition, and Robert Saleh reiterated on Tuesday that he always aims to have the best 11 players on the field at all times.
There are no politics involved. That goes for everyone, even players like NaVorro Bowman. Recall that before Reuben Foster got hurt, it was Bowman who left the field in dime packages.
Now it appears that is the latest benefactor of Saleh’s “everything must be earned” philosophy. Coyle began training camp with the third-team defense.