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SANTA CLARA –- Outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks should be back in the 49ers’ starting lineup on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said.
Brooks did not play at all in the 49ers’ 24-13 loss to the Raiders on Sunday after the 49ers took disciplinary action against him.
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“It was difficult to do, but it was an easy decision,” Fangio said on Thursday. “He missed an entire meeting on Tuesday and was 20 minutes late on Wednesday. So at that point, on top of what happened in New York, it was time to not start him and take drastic measures.”
Brooks was benched late in the first half and did not return after he lashed out on the sideline at 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula on Nov. 16, when the 49ers played the New York Giants.
On top of missing a meeting (Brooks said he thought it was a day off) and being late, Brooks did not have a good week of practice, Fangio said. He informed Brooks on Wednesday he would not start.
This week, Fangio said he spoke with Brooks on Tuesday. When asked if he thinks Brooks will start at Seattle, Fangio answered, “Yeah, I think he will, provided he keeps practicing like he did (Wednesday).”
Brooks is tied, along with Justin Smith and rookie Aaron Lynch, for the 49ers' lead with five sacks. With Brooks out of action, the 49ers' pass rush was virtually non-existent against the Raiders. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns while being sacked just once.
