49ers: 5 under-the-radar players to watch in 2019 training camp

5 under-the-radar 49ers players to watch in 2019 training camp

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Kendrick Bourne #84, Dexter McCoil #27, Cassius Marsh #54, Tyvis Powell #45 Mark Nzeocha #46 and Elijah Lee #47 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 7: Ben Garland #63 of the Atlanta Falcons blocks against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Offensive Lineman Ben Garland

Barring any setbacks, the 49ers already have their starting crop set for the offensive line in 2019.

But there might already be a minor setback.

Veteran center Weston Richburg, who was dealing with a knee injury for most of last year, had surgery on it during the offseason and missed all of organized team activities and minicamp. His status for training camp isn’t yet clear.

As a result, perennial backup offensive lineman Ben Garland, whom the Niners acquired during the offseason, saw the first-team reps during OTAs in Richburg’s stead.

Garland, 31 years old, has experience playing under head coach Kyle Shanahan when both were with the Atlanta Falcons back in 2016. And while Garland didn’t start any games that year, he at least has a modest command of Shanahan’s complex offense, which hinges on both tackle and center play.

If Richburg’s recovery lingers into the regular season, Garland could be the primary beneficiary, making his efforts worth watching this training camp.