49ers sign Ray

Jun 09, 2023

Ray-Ray Armstrong made a good impression on the 49ers, despite appearing in only two games in 2016.

San Francisco signed the inside linebacker to a two-year extension, despite going down with a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 2 against the Panthers. He was scheduled for free agency after the season.

“Ray-Ray had a strong offseason and was off to a good start in 2016 prior to being sidelined for the season due to injury,” general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. “He has continued to work hard in his rehab and is a young player with a bright future in front of him. We look forward to his continued development and contributions, both on and off the field.”

Armstrong was the surprise winner of a starting role next to NaVorro Bowman in the team’s 3-4 defense. He beat out Gerald Hodges, Michael Wilhoite and Nick Bellore during training camp and the preseason.

The 49ers signed Armstrong midway through 2015 after being castoff from the Raiders and Rams. He played safety in college at Miami, giving him good range and athleticism for the position, complementing Bowman well after he came off his career-altering knee injury in the Winter of 2014.

San Francisco has been decimated by injuries on defense, which included losing Bowman for the year when sustained an Achilles injury Week 4. Others to miss significant chunks of the season: Defensive lineman Ian Williams (ankle surgery), outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (suspension, high ankle sprain), defensive lineman Arik Armstead (shoulder surgery) and safety Eric Reid (torn biceps).

San Francisco’s defense ranks last in scoring and yardage and allowed 11 running backs to run for at least 100 yards in a game.

The 49ers Monday placed Bellore on injured reserve after suffering an elbow injury three plays in Sunday’s loss against the Falcons.

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