The San Francisco 49ers offensive line is in shambles, and it appears to be getting worse.
Right tackle Colton McKivitz, one of their three healthy starters on the offensive front, was listed as a non-participant in Friday’s practice after showing up as a limited participant Thursday.
Since McKivitz wasn’t on head coach Kyle Shanahan’s pre-practice injury list, it would appear something happened to McKivitz during the session that forced him to miss part of Thursday and all of Friday. Perhaps they’re being cautious with one of their trio of starting offensive linemen who are still healthy, but it certainly doesn’t bode well for an O-line in disarray entering a Week 17 showdown with the Detroit Lions.
Additionally, with left tackle Trent Williams and his backup Jaylon Moore both on IR, the team would likely turn to Spencer Burford to start at left tackle. Burford remained out of practice Friday with a calf injury though, putting his status for Monday night in jeopardy. If he can’t play, the 49ers would be down to a fourth-string left tackle, a fourth-string left guard, and a second-string right guard who will likely be either Austen Pleasants or Charlie Heck, both of whom were signed in the last two weeks.
Here’s what Friday’s practice report looks like:
Did not participate
LG Aaron Banks (knee)
DE Robert Beal (ankle)
OL Spencer Burford (calf)
LB Dre Greenlaw (calf)
OT Colton McKivitz (knee)
FB Kyle Juszczyk (illness)
Limited participation
S Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle)
DE Leonard Lloyd (shoulder)
RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring)
Full participation
LB Tatum Bethune (knee)
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
DT Jordan Elliott (knee)
S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist)
LB Dee Winters (chest)