Injuries were one of the defining issues of the San Francisco 49ers‘ dreary 2024 season. Their health seems to be in a good place heading into training camp, but it’s clear after an offseason where youth and cutting costs were the priority that there’s still one key player the 49ers need to stay healthy if they’re going to bounce back in 2025.
The 49ers made it clear through their offseason that they have plenty of confidence in their offensive line. They lost starting left guard Aaron Banks in free agency, but they only made peripheral moves to help their depth up front. That leaves them vulnerable once again to a Trent Williams injury.
Since Williams joined the 49ers in 2020 he hasn’t played more than 15 games in a season. He played just 10 last year.
The 49ers are 4-11 in games Williams has missed since arriving in 2020. They’re 1-8 over the last two seasons.
Despite an injection of youth this offseason the 49ers are still a top-heavy roster. They’ll need their stars to play like stars if they’re going to be any kind of factor come January. Losing any of their top players dramatically increases the level of difficulty for San Francisco. Losing Williams puts them in a near impossible bind given their lack of depth at the offensive tackle spots.
Andre Dillard, a journeyman former first-round pick, is likely the leading swing tackle candidate. Spencer Burford, who is also in the mix for the starting left guard spot, may also get some snaps as a reserve left tackle. Austen Pleasants also returned after appearing in three games for San Francisco last season.
It’s hard to imagine an instance where Williams misses time and the 49ers find quality play on quarterback Brock Purdy’s blind side. We’ve seen it derail San Francisco in previous years, and they didn’t do enough this offseason to change it.
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