49ers vs. Colts: 5 matchups that’ll determine who wins Week 7
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers OL Alex Mack, Daniel Brunskill vs. Colts DT DeForest Buckner
One of the preeminent storylines leading up to Week 7 is the return of San Francisco’s 2016 first-round NFL Draft pick, Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who’ll face off against his old team for the first time since being traded away at the start of 2020.
Buckner, who has 28 tackles, three of which were for a loss, six quarterback hits and two sacks already this season, already spoke with Bay Area reporters in advance of the game and is understandably ramped up to face off against his old squad.
Related Story: 49ers face ‘bittersweet’ reunion with Colts’ DeForest Buckner
It’s still unclear whether or not the 49ers will start veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on Sunday, as he’s working his way back from a calf injury. Or, if Kyle Shanahan wants to be bold and work towards the future, rookie quarterback Trey Lance could potentially start despite a knee injury.
Still, whoever starts under center will have to understand Buckner is attacking arguably the weakest portion of the Niners offensive line, center Alex Mack and right guard Daniel Brunskill, who have Pro Football Focus grades of 62.8 and 65.2, respectively.
It’s not exactly a matchup favoring San Francisco right now.