5 players 49ers can’t afford to lose to serious injury in 2022
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers left tackle Trent Williams
The 49ers may have just enough pass-catching weapons to make up for an injury to Deebo Samuel.
They likely don’t if they lose All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams for any significant period of time.
The Niners’ offensive line is a question mark heading into 2022 anyway, especially in light of left guard Laken Tomlinson leaving in free agency for the New York Jets and center Alex Mack retiring. Putting things bluntly, Trent Williams is about the only non-worry point San Francisco has for its O-line this season.
The 49ers lost their primary swing tackle from the last two seasons, Tom Compton, whose pass protection wasn’t exactly stellar, an element fully on display when starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey missed the second half of the year with a torn quad.
With Compton now suiting up for the Denver Broncos, the Niners are hoping they can identify a key backup to both McGlinchey and Williams in that same role, perhaps someone like Justin Skule, who started with both the first- and second-team units during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.
Still, with the understanding Williams is among the best offensive linemen in the league, San Francisco can ill afford to lose him while subjecting quarterback Trey Lance to unnecessary pressure because of some fill-in option who is far below Williams’ prowess.