5 49ers players who need to perform better in second half of 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Offensive Tackle Justin Skule
To be fair, the Niners have received some solid play from rookie backup offensive tackle Justin Skule. He’s done a good job filling in for the injured veteran, Joe Staley, whom San Francisco expects back in action soon from his broken fibula.
Skule has already started eight games this season. During that stretch, however, he’s already allowed a team-high four sacks and 13 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
And while Staley is looking like he’ll return in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey is still a ways away from returning from a knee injury suffered in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns.
Staley’s will likely push fellow backup tackle Daniel Brunskill back down the depth chart, but Skule will be asked to flip sides and hold down McGlinchey’s spot on the opposite side of the line for at least the next couple of weeks or so.
While many defenses feature their best pass-rusher from the weak side, where Skule had been playing, there are plenty of others willing to showcase strong rushers against the right side of the offensive line.
Skule will need to be on point after the switch, hopefully keeping the sacks allowed to a minimum.