5 questions 49ers must answer in preseason game vs. Chargers
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Who’s worth keeping from the 49ers’ offensive line depth chart?
There shouldn’t be too big a worry regarding San Francisco’s first-string offensive line heading into the regular season, provided everyone stays healthy.
No, the problem with this particular unit is the depth, and it’s been a budding issue ever since the last days of training camp.
Rookie right guard Aaron Banks is dealing with a shoulder injury, and he’s been going through first-year struggles anyway, which don’t help his bid to take over a starting position anytime soon. Fellow rookie lineman Jaylon Moore got the start against Kansas City at left tackle and held his own, so it’s likely he’ll at least be a quality reserve right out of the gate.
As for the rest? Well, it’s not overly promising.
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Colton McKivitz, Shon Coleman, Jake Brendel, Dakoda Shepley, Shon Coleman and Senio Kelemete all received plenty of snaps versus the Chiefs, and the overall result wasn’t exactly something that should inspire confidence in this reserve unit.
Assuming Banks starts the year as a reserve, there are likely three other spots needing to be seized.
Moore might be the best candidate to emerge as the primary swing tackle, yet that’s a lot to ask from a rookie. And the only true center on the roster to support the starter, Alex Mack, is Brendel — a journeyman reserve with only three regular-season starts dating back to 2016.
The 49ers need to figure out the best options on the depth chart quickly.