San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 2020 offensive line depth chart

49ers depth chart: Offensive line backups

• Ben Garland
• Colton McKivitz
• Justin Skule

Typically, teams have carried three backup offensive linemen in the past with two being dressed on game day: a swing tackle and backup interior who can play center or spell someone who can.

Last year, even though he had his share of mistakes, Skule proved he could be a valuable-enough commodity to back up either tackle positions. While he wasn’t overly pretty during his collegiate days at Vanderbilt, the 49ers’ sixth-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft should have no problem sticking around, probably pushing veteran tackle Shon Coleman off the roster by Week 1.

Another recent draftee, West Virginia’s Colton McKivitz, primarily played tackle at the college level but projects to be an interior blocker within the pro ranks. That should give head coach Kyle Shanahan a bit more flexibility, essentially absorbing the role held previously by Daniel Brunskill last season.

Weston Richburg’s injuries last year, including those last offseason, gave rise to Garland, who ended up starting three regular-season games and was San Francisco’s guy at the center through the playoffs and into the Super Bowl. While Garland had some snapping issues, he wasn’t a massive liability.

At least the Niners thought as much, re-signing him to a one-year deal to perform the same reserve role again in 2020.

So, with eight spots figured out, who are the possible names to watch for the practice squad?