5 under-radar 49ers players to watch over final three regular-season games
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Center Ben Garland
Losing Weston Richburg hurts the 49ers in a lot of ways. Not only was Richburg having an exceptional year anchoring San Francisco’s offensive line, he was also responsible for calling out protections, shifts and from where opponents’ pressure was stemming.
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With Richburg out with a season-ending knee injury, the onus falls on journeyman offensive lineman Ben Garland.
On a positive note, Garland has already worked with the first-team unit, stemming from Richburg’s offseason surgery recovery, which lasted into the preseason. Kyle Shanahan tabbed Garland the primary reserve behind Richburg almost right away.
Garland held his own well enough in exhibition games, albeit primarily against backups, although his limited work in Week 14 against the Saints was certainly solid.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the fact the 31-year-old backup has started a mere six games over his pro career. And one would expect San Francisco’s opposition to focus heavily on overpowering the reserve center down the stretch.
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The 49ers have outlasted some O-line attrition this season already, yet this final test could be a major one to watch, as Garland will look to be as productive as possible en route to the postseason.