49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 biggest storylines for 2021 preseason opener

49ers vs. Chiefs Storyline No. 4: Seeing if second-string offensive line is truly that bad

One of the other less-inspiring developments from 49ers training camp as of late is just how porous the second-team offensive line has been.

Granted, this is a unit relying on backups and fill-ins, some of whom won’t even make the 53-man roster. But considering two rookies, Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore, are both taking snaps here and are in line for key roles, the lack of production in camp has been a bit of a concern.

Well, a pretty sizable concern if we’re being honest.

Hot Read: 49ers’ backup O-line depth is becoming a big problem

The second-string O-line has experienced all kinds of trouble from Niners B-team defensive linemen and pass-rushers during camp, and things could look a lot worse in the latter stages of the first half when San Francisco is expected to pull its starters while Kansas City is still playing the bulk of its first-team unit.

This isn’t necessarily good news for Trey Lance either, as he might be forced to react more to pressure rather than developing pocket awareness while awaiting his receivers’ routes to develop.

But the bigger concern, at least in the long run, will be determining whether or not the O-line depth is simply too top-heavy and lacks adequate reserves to help guard against injury.