49ers mid-preseason 53-man roster projection for 2019

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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after the 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14 at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

April (8): T Joe Staley, G Mike Person, G Laken Tomlinson, C Weston Richburg, T Mike McGlinchey, T Justin Skule, C/G Erik Magnuson, G Ross Reynolds

Mid-preseason (8): T Joe Staley, T Mike McGlinchey, G Laken Tomlinson, G Mike Person, C Weston Richburg, G/C Ben Garland, G Ross Reynolds, T Sam Young

Much has changed regarding the offensive line depth since April. Swing tackle Shon Coleman was injured just a few plays into the preseason game against Dallas, opening up a slot for someone to take on the roster.

In the meantime, rookie tackle Justin Skule out of Vanderbilt has looked every bit as green as his sixth-round draft slot would suggest, while the 49ers waived interior lineman Erik Magnuson in July, leaving an uninspiring set of options to man the middle of the line.

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Undrafted free agent rookie Ross Reynolds has been noted since his signing as a possible surprise player to make the final roster. And while he hasn’t been flashy in his preseason snaps, at least he hasn’t stood out in negative ways like others have.

Former Atlanta Falcons lineman Ben Garland stands to make the roster because of his ability to play both center and guard, although he didn’t have the strongest showing on Monday night as the starting center. His familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s offense, however, also works in his favor.

As for the swing tackle position, Skule isn’t ready and should clear waivers if the 49ers hope to get him onto the practice squad. Others like Willie Beavers and Najee Toran (who has played all over the line this preseason) just haven’t been good enough.

For now, that leaves newly signed Sam Young as the player the 49ers hope they don’t need to use at tackle, unless a trade happens between now and the beginning of the regular season.