The 49ers have claimed linebacker Thaddeus Gibson off waivers from the Steelers. Gibson was the Steelers' fourth-round draft pick in 2010, but they had to risk losing him in order to make space for Steve McLendon, who they promoted from the practice squad in the wake of injuries to defensive ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel. As my brother has pointed out, with James Harrison not getting any younger and with LaMarr Woodley's uncertain contract situation, losing Gibson could turn out to be costly in the long run. The Steelers often do a great job using draft picks to anticipate the departures of their stars, but due to all the injuries, they won't be able to use Gibson as the next cog in their well-oiled machine.
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