Nick Zakelj can seize a roster spot with impressive performance vs. Saints
He can reward them for that patience with a strong showing against the Saints on Sunday.
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers likely start third-year lineman Nick Zakelj in Week 2 of the preseason against the Saints, which bodes well for his roster chances.
San Francisco 49ers third-year offensive lineman Nick Zakelj probably isn't someone you'd think about when discussing players who have an excellent opportunity facing them in a preseason game.
After all, the small-school sixth-round NFL Draft pick from 2022 hasn't exactly made a name for himself at the pro level, and plenty of fans have wondered how he managed to hang around on the Niners roster in each of the last two years.
Perhaps being a former roommate of quarterback Brock Purdy helped, but that's probably about it.
Having seen only a mere 12 offensive snaps since his pro career began, Zakelj might find himself in a prominent role to begin the 2024 regular season.
Just two days before San Francisco is set to host the New Orleans Saints for Week 2 of the preseason, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters starting left guard Aaron Banks suffered a broken pinky that required surgery, likely putting him out of action until the regular season in September.
In his place with the first-team unit in the week's practices stood Zakelj.
Shanahan also said he wanted to get a good chunk of his starters on the field for Sunday's exhibition contest.
So, if Zakelj gets the nod with the first-stringers, it'd be a great sign for his immediate roster future.
Nick Zakelj needs to impress on Sunday for 49ers vs. Saints
Still very much on the roster bubble, especially considering the 49ers have two other interior linemen who are nursing injuries but are poised to return, Jon Feliciano (knee) and Spencer Burford (hand), Zakelj will look to improve upon a preseason Week 1 game where he got the start against the Tennessee Titans.
In that game, the 25 year old didn't allow a sack, hit or quarterback hurry on 11 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus, which is a positive.
However, New Orleans has a notably deeper and more talented defense than that of Tennessee, meaning his prospects for another upside outing are much more difficult.
Another strong outing could put him in the running for one of two or three interior-backup jobs on the 53-man roster this season. On top of that, should Banks miss more time than expected, Zakelj might end up being a more prominent role player on the O-line, possibly being asked to spot start until the former returns.
If Zakelj comes back to earth on Sunday, though, it'll likely mean a further tumble down the depth chart and being pushed to the periphery of the roster bubble.
The 49ers and Saints kick off on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
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