Parys

Haralson

No cause of death was announced by the 49ers in their team statement Monday. The former fifth-round pick of the Niners spent his first seven seasons in San Francisco and the final two with New Orleans before retiring after the 2014 campaign. Haralson appeared in 118 career games, notching 28 sacks. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.

The former Tennessee Volunteer has 21 sacks in college as a defensive end. He’ll play outside linebacker in the pros. Highly athletic, Haralson reminds us a little of former 49er Jamie Winborn.

The promising fifth-round rookie was pushing Brandon Moore to start. There’s no timetable for Haralson to resume practicing.

The fifth-round pick might start in Week 1, depending on how soon Roderick Green picks up the defensive scheme. It shouldn’t be long, considering Green used to play for head coach Mike Nolan in Baltimore.

It looked for a while like Haralson would start in Week 1, but that’s now unlikely and the job may go to Roderick Green.

Haralson still racked up four tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles against Seattle in Week 1, so he’s making plenty of impact. Smith worked at right defensive end on nickel downs, but registered no statistics. If Smith can’t generate more pressure, the Niners may have to rethink limiting Haralson.

Haralson is a proficient edge-setting outside ‘backer, but he’s a mediocre pass rusher and the Niners want Aldon Smith on the field as an every-down player. Look for Haralson to play on running downs going forward, seening something like 30-40 percent of the snaps. Smith and Ahmad Brooks will be the starters.

Coach Jim Harbaugh has declined to reveal the extent of this injury, but it’s reportedly to Haralson’s left arm or wrist. Haralson lost his starting job to Aldon Smith, but he was still expected to play a major role off the bench, allowing Smith to rush from defensive end in nickel packages. The 49ers signed Clark Haggans as insurance, although he may be facing a three-game suspension. Haralson turns 29 in January and is owed a $2.57 million base salary next year. He may have played his final snap with the 49ers.

Haralson’s day is likely done with just nine minutes left in the game. Impressive rookie pass rusher Aldon Smith will likely be a full-time player the rest of the way.