The San Francisco 49ers just threw a wrench into their offensive line plans, big time, with Carver Willis taking the majority of starter reps at left guard during move-the-ball drills. If you thought the line was settled for the preseason, guess again, because this is a full-blown competition now, and it’s getting spicy.
The Left Guard Grind is Real
It looked like Robert Jones had the inside track, getting the first crack with the starters in that preseason opener. But apparently, that’s old news. Reporters on hand are saying Connor Colby and Carver Willis were rotating with the first-team guys at left guard. And here’s the kicker: Willis actually logged the most reps with the starters. You gotta figure that puts him ahead of Colby on the depth chart right now, doesn’t it? Meanwhile, Jones was out there with the second team at right guard, and Austen Pleasants was stuck with the third team at left guard.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan had said Jones “fit into our scheme” and could “compete for that starting job” or be “good depth.” But honestly, that almost sounds like they want Willis or Colby to seize the role. Trent Williams, the veteran voice on that line, straight-up called it a “three-man race” and said “may the best man win.” He sees a “high ceiling and a lot of potential” in Willis, which is high praise. And yeah, Jones just played his first live game since 2024, so they’re probably managing his soreness. But this is definitely not the “Jones is the guy” narrative that was floating around.
Receivers Back, Ready to Roll?
It’s not just the big fellas upfront making news. Wide receivers Mike Evans, battling a quad injury, and Jacob Cowing, with a hip flexor, are back on the field. They both jumped into 11-on-11 drills, which is a huge step. The big question for Evans is if he’ll get into joint practices this week or if they’ll keep him “on ice” until the games “mean something.”
For Cowing, these next few weeks are massive. Returning is great, but he’s gotta prove he can stay healthy through the rest of the preseason. The team waiving Junior Bergen, who’s a returner, was a pretty big hint that Cowing, also a returner, was about to make his comeback. It’s all about showing durability now.
Tight End Tryouts and Rookie Shine
Even the tight end room is seeing some action. Khalil Dinkins, an undrafted free agent from this past draft, got a tryout. This move comes after Brayden Willis, Josiah Deguara, and Hayden Rucci all played between 33 and 37 snaps in the preseason opener. George Kittle is still on the active/PUP list, and they’ve got Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges on the roster. Dinkins was released by the 49ers before due to injuries, so they’re clearly looking to see if he’s healthier and can offer more than the current trio. Every spot is a battle out there, even at a position that seems set with a star.
And hey, a rookie from Oklahoma also caught Trent Williams’ eye on Thursday night. Williams called him “G-baby” and gave a “Boomer sooner” shout-out, showing that veteran bias is real! What’s next? You gotta watch those joint practices this upcoming week to see how that O-line battle shakes out. That starting left guard spot is wide open, and it’s going to be a must-watch competition.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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