In the days leading up to the highly anticipated Week 1 showdown in Australia, the San Francisco 49ers were gifted an unexpected advantage. The Rams' recently unretired legend, Aaron Donald, will reportedly not travel with the team, thus rendering him inactive for the contest.
As a result of this news, the 49ers’ impossible task of containing both Donald and Myles Garrett has been erased, and it may cover up the team's gaping hole on offense.
For the duration of camp, the 49ers have struggled to fill one obvious hole on their offensive line. The left guard position has been nothing short of a carousel, with Connor Colby, Robert Jones, Carver Willis, and Austin Pleasants all receiving an opportunity to earn the role.
Since then, Colby seems to have won the job, with Pleasants landing on IR and Jones being recently released. Willis, who was originally drafted this year as a tackle, looks to assume the early backup duties. Colby, though, is easily the lowest-rated starting lineman on what isgenerally viewed as a formidable 49ers' front. Fortunately, the red and gold's weak link may be spared for at least a game.
Aaron Donald's absence may allow 49ers to hide their biggest weakness
With Donald out, the Niners will have only Myles Garrett to contend with. That's not to say the two-time Defensive Player of the Year isn't a force by himself, but he represents a more easily manageable task. Left tackle Trent Williams is no stranger to guarding elite pass rushers, and linemen on the other side like Dominick Puni look primed for big (and healthy) years.
Now, Kyle Shanahan has the ability to hide Colby if necessary. If Garrett attempts to hunt the second-year guard out at the line of scrimmage, Williams or center Jake Brendel will be able to provide help without leaving a bruiser like Aaron Donald unchecked.
Donald's inactive status should give quarterback Brock Purdy much more time in the pocket, which he will need if he wants to connect with his new weapons downfield. With tight end George Kittle set to play his first game post-Achilles tear, Purdy's two go-to options will likely be De'Zhaun Stribling and Mike Evans, both of whom will benefit from an extra second or two to create space.
Donald buys 49ers another weak to find a real solution to their problem
While the 49ers may escape Week 1 having hidden their biggest offensive weakness, that's not to say it won't play a factor later on. After all, the 49ers are well aware of their need at guard. Hopefully, Donald's DNP buys them another week to figure out a more permanent solution.
If not, the entire offense could suffer as a result. Offensive linemen get hurt all the time, and if one or two other members drop off during the year, Colby and the rest of the left guard candidates could be left on an island with no one to cover for them.
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