4 challenging questions Kyle Shanahan, 49ers must answer in training camp

49ers training camp question No. 3: What’s the status of the O-line as a whole?

Going into training camp, one might fairly list San Francisco’s offensive line as the primary worry point. Sure, Trey Lance being ready will highlight much of the national narrative, but protecting him and opening up the 49ers’ ground game’s rushing lanes is arguably more crucial.

The only surefire known commodity is All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams will be his dominant self. After that, though, there are plenty of unknowns.

Again, the status at center is a worry point. But so is right tackle with Mike McGlinchey working his way back from a quad tear suffered halfway through the 2021 season. And while McGlinchey is expected to return in time for camp, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be 100 percent. The Niners need to identify an adequate swing tackle anyway, but it’s possible that player has to start Week 1 if McGlinchey isn’t quite ready.

Right guard Daniel Brunskill remains an OK-if-not-stellar option, but left guard seems destined to be filled by second-year pro Aaron Banks, San Francisco’s Round 2 pick from the 2021 NFL Draft who saw a mere five regular-season snaps a season ago.

While there is plenty of hope for Banks turning a major page from an otherwise disappointing rookie year, the only way to ensure the former Notre Dame standout’s maturation and ascension are proceeding as planned is to see him on the field in camp-like situations.

We’re not there yet, and it doesn’t appear as if the O-line is close to being there either.