49ers hope for the best with injured lineman for rest of game vs. Jets

The 49ers could potentially be without starting left guard Aaron Banks, who was forced to exit early on Monday night against the Jets because of injury.

The San Francisco 49ers appear to be well on their way to a Week 1 victory over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, thanks to an impressive performance by fill-in running back Jordan Mason, who was starting in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey's injury was just one of the Niners' worries heading into the primetime bout, but left guard Aaron Banks was also coming back from a broken finger suffered during training camp.

Banks ultimately started against Gang Green, but he was forced to exit in the third quarter because of a calf injury.

The team subsequently announced Banks would be questionable to return.

Banks played a major role in San Francisco's offensive line dominating the Jets' vaunted defensive front, particularly in the run game. At the point Banks exited, the 49ers had gained 105 yards between the tackles, meaning the former Notre Dame guard was essential in helping Mason's gaudy numbers.

In his stead, the Niners inserted third-year pro Spencer Burford, who lost his starting job on the other side of the O-line to rookie lineman Dominick Puni, who is also having an excellent debut in Week 1.

Further details of Banks' injury will be revealed in time, and the best hope is that it's not serious.

But, with San Francisco comfortably leading in the fourth quarter, it might be smart for the 49ers to shut down their starting left guard for the rest of the game.

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