Lynch got to the quarterback twice Sunday, finishing with four tackles (all solo) in addition to the pair of sacks.

What was even more impressive than recording two sacks was that Lynch did it to one of the more evasive pocket passers in the game, Aaron Rodgers. The pair of sacks brings his season total to three, and he should continue to be a great source of sacks for the rest of the season.

Lynch started Monday's win over Minnesota, finishing with three tackles (all solo) and a sack.

Lynch was constantly in the backfield Monday. Despite only recording one sack, his pressure helped generate at least two of his teammates' sacks as well. Lynch is clearly the team's best pass-rusher, and should be a solid source of sacks this season.

The 49ers released their first depth chart Wednesday, and Lynch is listed as a starter at outside linebacker.

Lynch missed significant time during training camp with a hamstring injury, but he apparently showed enough in the final couple preseason games to earn the starting job alongside Ahmad Brooks. He likely won't be an every-down linebacker, but he will provide tremendous sack upside.

Rookie Eli Harold - not Lynch - took Ahmad Brooks' spot with the first unit during Saturday's loss to the Broncos.

Lynch was activated from the non-football injury list this week and was practicing with the first unit, but he didn't take the field until all the starters departed in the second half. While this could be a concern for those looking to target Lynch as a cheap source of sacks, it may not be doom and gloom for his playing time. Coach Jim Tomsula was likely looking to see how both Harold and Corey Lemonier fared against Denver's starters. Both Lemonier and Harold fit the mold of traditional outside linebackers, whereas Lynch's attributes best fit that of the former-49er Aldon Smith. Lynch will have his opportunities to get to the quarterback this season.

Lynch was lining up at left outside linebacker with the first unit during Wednesday's practice, CSN Bay Area reports.

Lynch had been sidelined with an undisclosed back injury, but the general consensus was that he would be the eventual replacement for the released Aldon Smith. Having him line up with the first unit shows that the coaches felt the same way about Lynch. It also is a good sign that he will play in Sunday's preseason game against the Cowboys. Lynch's skill set best replicates Smith's in terms of pass rushing ability, so he has a high ceiling regarding sack potential this season if he does end up starting week 1.

Lynch (undisclosed) returned to practice Tuesday, CSN Bay Area reports.

Lynch missed the 49ers' first preseason game this past Saturday. He was expected to become the team's primary pass rusher once Aldon Smith was released, but his play in the 49ers' remaining preseason games will ultimately determine his role to open the season. The team needs him to stay healthy, as they don't have very many other options that are adept at getting to the quarterback.

Lynch will assume Aldon Smith's role as the team's primary pass-rushing outside linebacker after the latter was released Friday.

Lynch showed promise in his rookie campaign, displaying an excellent ability at getting to the quarterback (6.0 sacks in a limited role). Coming into this season, it looked like Lynch would serve a similar reserve role behind the 49ers' veteran linebackers. However, with the release of Aldon Smith following his DUI charge, a window of playing time has opened up for Lynch. He isn't well-rounded enough to be an everydown linebacker, but he should have plenty of opportunities to rack up sacks on passing downs this season. Lynch is definitely worth a look in IDP leagues in case he breaks out this season.

Lynch (hamstring) was removed from the non-football injury list Friday, CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reports.

Lynch picked up a hamstring injury during offseason workouts, but he's apparently fine for training camp. After recording six sacks in a part-time role last season, he'll compete with Ahmad Brooks for the starting outside linebacker spot across from Aldon Smith. Though Brooks has the advantage when it comes to run defense and experience, Lynch has the far higher ceiling due to his potential as a pass-rusher.

Lynch is dealing with a hamstring injury, CSN Bay Area reports.

After recording six sacks in a part-time role as a rookie fifth-round draft pick last season, Lynch is expected to compete with Ahmad Brooks for the starting job at left outside linebacker. The 31-year-old Brooks is a solid run defender who also has far more experience dropping back into coverage, but Lynch is a much more threatening pass-rusher. Regardless of what the starting lineup looks like, Lynch figures to be a regular presence on the field for passing downs. There's no indication that his current injury is serious, but he did deal with a hamstring issue in training camp last year.

Lynch recorded five tackles (all solo) and his fifth sack of the season in Thursday's loss to the Seahawks.

Another game, another sack for the impressive rookie linebacker. Despite splitting time with Ahmad Brooks, Lynch continues to provide value on a weekly basis by getting to the quarterback with ease. He is definitely a player to look at if you are in need of sacks, but don't expect the tackle totals to be too high, as Thursday's five solo tackles were a season-high.

Lynch collected two tackles (all solo) and a sack in Sunday's win over Washington.

Ahmad Brooks was given the start Sunday, pushing Lynch back to a reserve role. He still saw enough snaps to have an impact and record his fourth sack in five games. It appears there will be a timeshare between the rookie and Brooks going forward.

Lynch recorded two tackles (both solo) and his third sack of the season in Sunday's win over the Giants.

Lynch continues to see increased usage over the past few games, and it has resulted in the rookie linebacker accruing three sacks over his last four. Even with Aldon Smith (suspension) returning, Lynch led all outside linebackers Sunday, playing 66-of-70 defensive snaps against the Giants. He is proving to be a competent pass-rushing 3-4 linebacker, something to monitor for those chasing sacks.

Lynch only recorded one tackle Sunday, but it was of the sack variety in the 13-10 loss to the Rams.

Lynch has now recorded a sack in consecutive weeks and has been seeing more snaps as a pass-rusher. Aldon Smith (suspension) is expected back in a couple of weeks, which will crowd the outside linebacker situation.