As was the case for the balance of the 2024 season, injuries were a primary theme for the San Francisco 49ers throughout both training camp and the preseason.
Fortunately, head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad appears to be getting healthy at precisely the right moment.
With the Niners' regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks just days away, several of Shanahan's key players have been able to return to practice.
Including one starter on offense who suffered quite the scare during San Francisco's preseason Week 2 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, right guard Dominick Puni.
Dominick Puni's return lessens worry about 49ers offensive line
Puni suffered a PCL injury in his knee after getting rolled up on a special teams play in Vegas, and he was removed from the game in what was clearly a scary moment. Quick indications revealed it wasn't too serious an injury, perhaps something like a torn ACL, and subsequent evaluation revealed the nature of Puni's knee injury.
Still, there was a real chance the second-year pro out of Kansas could miss regular-season time, even if it was only a week or two.
Fortunately, the standout guard was able to practice leading up to Sunday's Week 1 contest, albeit in limited fashion, yet that development is awfully good news for his prospects of being fully available against the Hawks.
Another important return for the #49ers: Dominick Puni is practicing. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/6zizX1Zg3W
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) September 1, 2025
Sure, Puni isn't out of the proverbial woods just yet. He could still suffer a setback, or the 49ers' medical trainers may opt to hold him back for another week.
That said, signs are looking up.
The Niners' contingency plans for a would-be Puni absence aren't exactly promising. Already employing a fresh starter at left guard this season in Ben Bartch, Puni's primary backup would likely be between two rookies: seventh-rounder Connor Colby or the undrafted Drew Moss. Both first-year pros had promising moments during camp and into the preseason, but relying on relatively unheralded linemen in what could be a key NFC West matchup right out of the gate is a bit scary of a proposition.
Puni's return alleviates that worry. As long as he's healthy, of course.
San Francisco squares off against Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4:05 p.m. ET.