ATLANTA -- A 49ers defense that has been run over, run down and run off the field all season managed to grow even weaker Sunday when starting inside linebacker Gerald Hodges was deactivated for violating team rules.
That left San Francisco with two inside linebackers in uniform, begging the question: What happens if one gets hurt?
San Francisco didn't have to wait long for the answer. Starter Nick Bellore was knocked out of the game with an elbow injury in the first quarter, triggering a musical-chairs approach to the position. Safeties Vinnie Sunseri and Antoine Bethea, as well as outside linebacker Ahmad, Brooks have lined up next to Michael Wilhoite in the first half.