49ers lose starting offensive lineman to hand injury (but it's not bad)

Speaking to reporters, Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers are likely to be without Aaron Banks until the start of the regular season.

The San Francisco 49ers are already dealing with a rash of injuries entering their Week 2 preseason contest against the New Orleans Saints.

Count veteran left guard Aaron Banks among them now.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Banks had suffered a broken pinky that required surgery. The hope is for Banks to be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season when the Niners host the New York Jets for Monday Night Football.

Banks entered the league as a second-round NFL Draft choice back in 2021 and became a starter during his second year in the league. He's also entering a contract year, which makes his 2024 efforts notably important for his free-agent value in 2025.

Fellow lineman Nick Zakelj filled in at left guard during Friday's practices, and the suspicion would be him getting the start for San Francisco on Sunday versus New Orleans.

Shanahan also told reporters he plans on giving a number of his starters, including quarterback Brock Purdy, some field time during the game.

Banks isn't the only offensive lineman dealing with a hand injury. Earlier in training camp, news broke that third-year pro Spencer Burford suffered a broken hand that would also require surgery, and that setback has kept him out of practices and exhibition games to date.

He, too, is aiming for a Week 1 regular-season return.

Read more from Niner Noise