49ers lose Joe Staley to leg injury, have replacement options

2 of 3

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 24: Offensive tackle Justin Skule #67 of the San Francisco 49ers in action during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Option No. 1: Promote from Within

The first option the 49ers have is to work with the offensive linemen they already have on the roster.

Rookie Justin Skule came in off the bench and filled in admirable for Staley in Week 2. He wasn’t perfect, yet he wasn’t a liability either. For the immediate future, Skule is the 49ers’ starting left tackle. Joe Staley has said he will work with and help coach Skule, so Skule will definitely be supported and well taught.

But, at the end of the day, Skule is a rookie, and a sixth-round NFL Draft pick at that. While he certainly has potential, he is not the ideal left tackle for the next eight weeks of what will hopefully be a contending squad.

In addition to Skule, the Niners have a few more offensive linemen on the roster. Daniel Brunskill, is on the active roster after playing in the AAF. Additionally, linemen Ryan Pope and Ross Reynolds are on the practice squad. However none of these players have ever played an NFL snap, nor have significant experience playing left tackle.

If the 49ers want to stick with what they already have to replace Staley, Skule seems to be the best option.