49ers training camp: 3 units impressing the most

No. 2: 49ers offensive line

With some big changes and injuries to this unit, it may seem a bit surprising to have the offensive line on this list.

Ben Garland injured his ankle in Tuesday’s practice, which will sideline him a few weeks. Along with that injury came the news center Weston Richburg will start the season on the PUP list, meaning he will miss the first six games in his attempt to return from last season’s torn patellar tendon. Rookie Colton McKivitz has had flashes but will need to add strength and work on pad level to be an effective backup.

Even with that said, this unit has acquitted itself quite well early on.

While veteran guard Laken Tomlinson getting the best of inexperienced rookie defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw may not be surprising, there were plenty of other bright spots along this revamped unit.

Trent Williams, acquired via trade this past offseason after sitting out last season in a dispute with Washington, had quite a bit of rust to knock off. After a rough first day, he has stonewalled defensive end Nick Bosa, allowing just a single quarterback pressure but no sacks.

Tackle Mike McGlinchey, now entering his third season in San Francisco, was known as a beast run blocker coming out of Notre Dame, but he has improved dramatically in pass protection and has displayed that throughout this first week.

The team may need to continue shuffling the O-line around to work through some of those injuries, with a hope and expectation for more production from guys like McKivitz, Ross Reynolds, and veteran Tom Compton.

Daniel Brunskill, who played solid football even as he was moved around the offensive line as a rookie last season, was seen taking snaps at center and right guard.

If Williams continues to impress and regains his Pro Bowl form, along with McGlinchey, Brunskill, Garland and Thomlinson, the 49ers O-line could be an improved unit heading into the regular season.