49ers OLB Ahmad Brooks will miss Sunday's game against the Giants to be with his family after his sister died of lupus Wednesday. Brooks left the team that day to be with his family, and HC Jim Tomsula said he's not sure yet when the LB will return. Expect Corey Lemonier to start in his place, with rookie Eli Harold potentially seeing more snaps as well.

The 49ers on Thursday sent OLB Ahmad Brooks home from Denver, where they've been holding joint practices with the Broncos. This comes in the wake of sexual-battery charges against Brooks stemming from a December 2014 incident at the home of former teammate Ray McDonald (who has been indicted on rape charges). The Niners must now decide what to do with Brooks, and GM Trent Baalke said in a statement the team is "in communication with the NFL." Barring a dismissal of this charge, it's hard to imagine this embattled organization welcoming back a player who previously faced assault charges for punching a woman in the face when he played for the Bengals. At least for now, the Niners are now missing both projected OLB starters. They released Aldon Smith earlier this month. Corey Lemonier, Aaron Lynch and rookie Eli Harold look like the top candidates to replace Smith and Brooks. And it's only getting tougher to like the team defense at all.

New 49ers HC Jim Tomsula said at his Thursday press conference that his defense will continue to run from a 3-4 base. There had been rumors of a switch to a 4-3 front after DC Vic Fangio left, which had IDP owners dreaming of an alignment that could accommodate LBs NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis and Chris Borland. Instead, 2 of those players (Bowman and 1 other) figure to continue starting at the inside spots, with Aldon Smith on the outside and Ahmad Brooks or Aaron Lynch across from him. We'll see how all the lineup pieces fall for the Niners.

The 49ers will have OLBs Aldon Smith (shoulder) and Ahmad Brooks (stinger) active for today's matchup with the Rams.  Both appeared as questionable on the injury report but never seemed in danger of missing the game.  DE Ray McDonald (ankle) will also play for the 1st time since Week 10.  That only helps the Niners' team D in an already attractive fantasy football matchup.

Both starting OLBs are officially questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.  Brooks has a stinger and Smith a shoulder issue.  We've seen no indication either player is actually at risk of missing the game, but we'll certainly keep an eye on their Sunday status.  You should plan to use either as you normally would in your IDP league.

OLB Ahmad Brooks agreed to terms on a 6-year deal with the Niners on Tuesday. Brooks has settled into his role as a 3-4 OLB in San Francisco the past 2 years after floating around for his 1st few seasons with the Bengals and Niners. He won't be on the radar for the average IDP league but has big-game potential with his athleticism and pass-rush ability. With several big-money contracts on D and other youngsters due soon (like ILB NaVorro Bowman), it'll be interesting to see how the Niners deal with the cap going forward.

According to CBSSports.com Rapid Reporter Michael Erler, "LB Ahmad Brooks was again a monster in practice, snagging a couple of interceptions." Brooks' upside has been evident since his aborted career at UVa. His forte since joining the Niners has been rushing the passer, though. If he's truly rounding into form as a coverage man, he could turn into a significant sleeper candidate in big-play IDP formats. All he has to do is stay healthy to help San Francisco's team D.

Bengals LB Brian Simmons is inactive. Roll with Ahmad Brooks if you need an IDP boost.

With all the injuries (and Odell Thurman's suspension) at linebacker, rookie Ahmad Brooks will hold the MLB spot for the season per the Cincy Post. Brooks has been credited with 31 tackles, 1 sack and 2 pass breakups in the last 3 games.

Bengals LB Brian Simmons (neck) is active but might not play. Last week he was a last-minute scratch. We plugged rookie LB Ahmad Brooks in IDP and the kid racked up 10 tackles vs. Tampa Bay. Go with Brooks again this week vs. the Panthers missing LG Mike Wahle.

Bengals MLB Brian Simmons (neck) is a last-minute scratch. Rookie LB Ahmad Brooks will start at middle linebacker. Sneaky IDP play, folks.

Bengals LB Brian Simmons is still having problems with his neck and might miss another game. Simmons was a last-minute scratch Sunday morning so rookie Ahmad Brooks jumped in with 10 solo tackles.