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September 20, 2007

Lawson tears ACL; lost for season

The NFL injury bug took a big chunk out of the 49ers this morning. The team learned that outside linebacker Manny Lawson tore his left ACL during practice Wednesday. Lawson called it a "tweak" at the time. As it turns out, it will cost him the season.

A first-round draft pick a year ago, Lawson fought through a learning curve that had him going from college defensive end to pro linebacker. He has played more aggressively this season, however, and the combination of Lawson and Patrick Willis seemed like it would only grow more formidable as the season progressed.

The team already has lost another outside linebacker, Jay Moore, for the season with a high-ankle sprain. Veteran Hannibal Navies likely will start in place of Lawson with second-year player Parys Haralson also factoring into the mix.

Posted by Matthew Barrows at 10:59 AM | Comments |