San Francisco 49ers: LB Ahmad Brooks Injured With Lacerated Kidney

According to reports, San Francisco 49ers' outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks has suffered a lacerated kidney that will sideline him for at least two weeks. 

Brooks was hurt during Friday morning's training camp practice. The injury was originally diagnosed as a bruised rib. However, ensuing further tests, team doctors identified the damage to be much more serious. 

On the bright side, we should all feel fortunate that they were able to detect the injury. Failing to do so could have made matters very dangerous.  

The 49ers gave no exact timeline on when Brooks would return to play. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated in two weeks, which is when more information should be released. Based on my research of the injury, though, it could force him to sit a while longer. 

The linebacker had signed a 2-year, $4.225 million contract extension earlier in March after having a breakout season in which he registered a career-high six sacks as well as four forced fumbles.

The former 3rd-round pick back in 2006, was given a larger role towards the end of last season when he was primarily utilized as a threat off the edge on third-down obvious pass situations. 

It has been noted that the coaching staff has been spending ample time preparing him to be a more prominent piece of the defense. 

Despite amassing 44 sacks last season, which ranked tied for 3rd best in the league, their team leader in the category was former 1st-round selection Manny Lawson with 6.5

Considering that his future with the team is questionable, the unit is in search of a dominant force of the edge. In fact, they haven't had a double-digit sack artist since Andre Carter had 12.5 back in 2002. Based on the tremendous potential Brooks has shown, the team has been hoping that he can develop into an elite pass rusher in the near future. 

Therefore, we must all hope that his injury recovers quickly and safely. Otherwise, this would be a major setback for their front seven. That said, I wish him and the 49ers franchise the best of luck moving forward with the upcoming season and beyond.