How the 49ers Will Replace Clelin Ferrell While He's Out

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers won't have starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell for at least one playoff game, maybe more.

On Thursday, Nick Bosa explained how the 49ers intend to replace Ferrell while he's out.

Q: Chase Young could get a bigger role in these first couple of playoff games. Have you seen a change in him as he has gotten more accustomed to the defense since he has gotten here?

BOSA: "Yeah, he's going to play more. All the ends are going to have to step it up for Clelin, whether he misses one game or whatever it is. We just have to hone in on the technique of things. Sometimes at the end of the year you lose it a little bit, but now there's no excuse. You have to get fresh and really play the scheme the way it's supposed to be played. We're really focusing on that as a D-line group and a D-end group. So yeah, I'm excited for him to have this opportunity."

Q: Ferrell got all the starts this year and was the base-downs guy. What did he do well to earn that role and what does Young have to do to fill those shoes?

BOSA: "Just having a camp here and being in the scheme and understanding the aiming points and all the stuff Kris Kocurek preaches. It's tough to come in and get it right right away. Randy Gregory and Chase are still learning, so they're going to have to learn quick on the run and be ready to fill those shoes. And Clelin brought probably the best effort of anybody on the team. That was one of the biggest things he brought."