The 49ers' offensive line will look nothing like it's Week 1 installment when they face off against the Lions on Monday Night Football.
Injuries have been a major theme for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions this season.
Although one can safely say the 13-2 Lions have navigated the injury bug significantly better than the 6-9 Niners.
Week 17's installment of Monday Night Football might not mean too much for either team, as Detroit is looking forward to a regular-season finale in one week against the Minnesota Vikings to decide both the NFC North and the No. 1 seed in the conference, whereas San Francisco is stuck somewhere between playing for pride and embracing a tank job for better draft positioning.
Aiding in the latter prospect is the fact head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive line is going to be awfully shorthanded, appearing nothing like the unit that opened up the season last September.
Injuries deplete 49ers offensive line, other units ahead of Lions game
The 49ers already placed offensive linemen Trent Williams (ankle) and Jaylon Moore (quad) on injured reserve prior to Week 17, while left guard Aaron Banks (knee) will land on IR soon, too, after suffering his own season-ending injury in Week 16's loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Reserve lineman Spencer Burford (calf) was also ruled out for the contest, putting more pressure on Shanahan to find adequate replacements.
The Niners also ruled out defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle), cornerback Charvarius Ward (personal) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf) for the game, putting more pressure on San Francisco's defense.
San Francisco listed linebacker Tatum Bethune (knee), safety Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) and right tackle Colton McKivitz (knee) as questionable.
If McKivitz can't play, the 49ers may have to deploy a Week 17 starting O-line that consists of new additions, Austin Pleasants and Charlie Heck, at tackle. Seldom-discussed lineman Nick Zakelj might have to start at left guard in Banks' stead.
The Niners and Lions kick off on Dec. 30 at 8:15 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium.