49ers: 5 players who will have major impact in Week 3 vs. Steelers

5 49ers who will have major impact in Week 3 vs. Steelers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to put a move on Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steeler at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 20-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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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) /

No. 3: OT Justin Skule

Rookie offensive tackle Justin Skule figures to get the start, due to an injury to Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan will certainly put Skule in a position to succeed by keeping guys like Kittle and running back Matt Breida in to help in pass protection.

Lucky for Skule, Pittsburgh’s best pass-rusher, T.J. Watt, lines up on the opposite side of the field, so he’ll be right tackle Mike McGlinchey‘s problem.

Skule will line up in front of defensive end Bud Dupree for most of the game.

Dupree has an early season grade of 66.1 from Pro Football Focus. Dupree is far from an elite pass-rusher, though.

If Skule can neutralize him, he can significantly help minimize the loss of Staley.