Tag: Aaron Banks

49ers OL suffers another big blow after starter ruled out

San Francisco was dealt another blow up front as one of its offensive line starters was ruled out vs. the Chicago Bears.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ injury concerns up front continued on Sunday during the team’s Week 14 date against the Chicago Bears (4-8).

Thrust into a starting role, left guard Ben Bartch exited San Francisco’s contest on Sunday midway through the first quarter with an ankle injury.

After initially being listed as questionable to return, Bartch was officially ruled out by the 49ers. Bartch stepped in for left guard Aaron Banks who remained sidelined with a concussion.

Bartch was replaced by Spencer Burford. The third-year pro served as the 49ers’ starting right guard over each of the past two seasons.

In addition to Banks and Bartch being sidelined, longtime star left tackle Trent Williams missed his third straight game with a left ankle injury of his own.

Minus its two starting cogs on the left side of its offensive line and its starting left guard today, the San Francisco 49ers still managed to put together an explosive first half against the Bears.

San Francisco (5-7) racked up 319 yards of total offense, 254 passing yards, 14 first downs and averaged 8.6 yards per play in the first half against the Bears.

The 49ers led 24-0 at halftime and are seeking to snap a current three-game losing streak.

49ers add OL depth to practice squad as injuries stack up

As injuries stack up, the San Francisco 49ers went and found some offensive line help to sign to their practice squad.

As injuries continue to pile up along the interior of their offensive line, the San Francisco 49ers went out and found some help.

The 49ers signed veteran offensive lineman Cameron Erving to their practice squad.

Since being selected No. 19 overall out of Florida State by the Cleveland Browns in the 2015 NFL draft, Erving has been a part of six NFL franchises.

The 10-year NFL vet spent the 2015-16 seasons in Cleveland, 2017-19 in Kansas City, 2020 in Dallas, 2021-22 in Carolina and 2023 in New Orleans.

Before his release on Nov. 20, Erving spent this season in Houston with the Texans’ practice squad.

The 32-year-old has versatility to play a number of different positions along the offensive line. Throughout his NFL career, Erving has played snaps at all five offensive line positions.

According to Pro Football Focus, Erving saw 208 snaps at right tackle last season in New Orleans.

San Francisco starting left guard Aaron Banks entered the concussion protocol following the 49ers’ loss in Week 12 at the Green Bay Packers.

The 49ers included starting right guard Dominick Puni among its injury update exiting Week 12 with a shoulder injury that is awaiting MRI results.

Banks has seen 675 snaps at left guard, while Puni has played 711 snaps at right guard per PFF.

San Francisco (5-6) returns to action at Buffalo (9-2) on Sunday, Dec. 1, with kickoff set for 5:20 p.m. PT and the game televised on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers injury updates immediately following loss to Packers

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan provided injury updates immediately following the 49ers’ loss at the Green Bay Packers.

Sunday was an afternoon to forget for San Francisco 49ers fans.

By the time it was all said and done, the 49ers had suffered their largest-ever loss to the Green Bay Packers in a frustrating 38-10 blowout loss at Lambeau Field.

Of course, San Francisco entered this Week 12 matchup minus starting quarterback Brock Purdy, offensive tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa.

During the course of the 49ers’ loss, the injury front went from bad to worse. The 49ers announced that defensive tackle Jordan Elliott had been ruled out with a concussion.

Per Matt Barrows of the Athletic, left guard Aaron Banks is now dealing with a suspected concussion as well.

Williams was listed as questionable with an ankle injury in the 49ers’ Friday injury report. After the loss, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan explained why they felt Williams wasn’t suited to go.

“It was close. We took it all the way up until now. I mean, all the way up until today, but he was hurting yesterday a little worse than last week at this time which made us nervous and didn’t wake up good today,” Shanahan said of Williams.

Shanahan said the team will monitor Purdy’s status early next week to see if a return from his right shoulder injury is a possibility for the 49ers in their Week 13 date at the Buffalo Bills.

“He’s been rehabbing the whole time here. I’m sure we’ll take him through some stuff early Monday or Tuesday and got a better idea then,” Shanahan said of Purdy.

San Francisco (5-6) will look to bounce back from its second two-game losing streak of the season when they kick off at Buffalo (9-2) on Dec. 1 at 5:20 p.m. PT for a primetime Sunday Night Football date on NBC.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers injury news immediately following win over Seahawks

The rookie safety was ruled out against the Seahawks after suffering an ankle injury.

While the San Francisco 49ers secured a much-needed win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, the injury bug continued to roll in Seattle on Thursday.

Multiple players, including breakout running back Jordan Mason and rookie defensive back Malik Mustapha exited the game against the Seahawks on Thursday night.

Following the game, Kyle Shanahan provided some injury updates regarding some of the players who missed time against the Seahawks. Jordan Mason suffered a shoulder injury. He did return after exiting the game, but played only one snap in the second half. Shanahan told reporters that Mason could play again if needed.

Starting guard Aaron Banks dealt with cramps against the Seahawks. New kicker Matthew Wright suffered a shoulder injury.

After securing the first interception of his career, 49ers rookie safety Malik Mustapha was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. After the game, Shanahan revealed Mustapha suffered a low ankle sprain.

Via @HollowayNFLN on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/HollowayNFLN/status/1844585296996008301

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers have limited injury updates after Week 1 win vs. Jets

The 49ers guard left the game on Monday night against the Jets with a calf contusion.

Following the San Francisco 49ers dominant 32-19 win in Week 1 against the New York Jets on Monday night, Kyle Shanahan spoke to members of the media in Santa Clara. Before answering questions, Shanahan provided injury updates from the game.

Aaron Banks was the only member of the 49ers to suffer an injury on Monday and not return. The starting guard suffered a calf contusion and was listed as questionable to return, but he never made it back into the game.

Via @49ers on Twitter:

Jauan Jennings also suffered an ankle injury and was listed as questionable, but he was able to return to the contest. Jennings came up limping after being tackled on the sideline. He still finished the game as the leading receiver for the 49ers, recording five receptions for 64 yards.

Via @lindseylares on Twitter:

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers offensive MVP listed as questionable for Week 1 matchup vs. Jets

Here’s the 49ers Week 1 injury report, which didn’t do much to quell their health concerns:

The San Francisco 49ers have a handful of significant injury question marks going into their season opener against the New York Jets.

Their official Week 1 injury report didn’t do much to quell any potential concerns on the health front. Two starters are listed as questionable with another starter listed as doubtful.

Here’s the full report:

Out

DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
LB Dee Winters (ankle)

This isn’t a huge surprise with neither player practicing the first two days of practice. Ideally neither will miss significant time. Gross-Matos is the 49ers’ third DE who figures to play a major role on the defensive line. Winters will likely be a special teams contributor to start the year.

Doubtful

S Talanoa Hufanga (knee)

Hufanga didn’t get any training camp practices in. His limited participation the first two days of the week signaled he is still in the midst of a ramp up. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s back in action for Week 2 as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL late last season.

Questionable

RB Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles)
LG Aaron Banks (finger)

McCaffrey is certain he’s going to play which helps some of the uncertainty surrounding his status. Still, if team doctors decide he isn’t capable of playing Monday night it’s unlikely the 49ers will rush him onto the field in Week 1. If he’s unable to suit up or if he has a limited snap count it could mean a big night for RB Jordan Mason.

Banks’ finger issue didn’t keep him out of any practices which is a good sign. If he winds up not playing we may see Nick Zakelj or Ben Bartch at left guard.

Not listed

WR Jauan Jennings (ankle)
RB Isaac Guerendo (groin)

Jennings and Guerendo were both limited to start the week. They were full participants in Saturday’s session and not on the injury report.

The 49ers host the Jets at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night. Kickoff is slated for 5:15pm Pacific Time.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers starting OL has surgery on broken pinkie finger

Another 49ers starting offensive lineman went down with an injury, but it looks like he’s on track for a Week 1 return.

The San Francisco 49ers can’t manage to get through a week of practice without a new injury cropping up.

Starting left guard Aaron Banks was absent from Friday’s session. Head coach Kyle Shanahan after practice said Banks suffered a broken pinkie finger that required surgery.

Banks was out of Friday’s practice, but Shanahan told reporters he’s optimistic about Banks’ chances of returning for the season opener.

This will be something worth keeping a close eye on as the preseason winds down. Last season when Banks was out, veteran Jon Feliciano filled in at that spot. Feliciano is dealing with an injury though, as is Spencer Burford. They’d likely be the top two options to plug in if Banks is out, but neither are healthy enough to get into practice.

That left third-year offensive lineman Nick Zakelj to fill in at left guard with the first team on Friday. Zakelj started the 49ers’ preseason opener at center as he continues his transition from college offensive tackle to NFL interior lineman.

It bodes well for his chances of making the 53-man roster that he’s able to competently fill in at both center and left guard. That kind of versatility is what the 49ers have valued in their reserve offensive linemen.

While Zakelj was able to flash some versatility, all eyes should be on Banks and whether he’ll be able to suit up for the season opener against an excellent New York Jets defense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Newly-signed 49ers OL immediately goes down with injury

The 49ers interior offensive line got a change, and suddenly it might need another one.

The 49ers on Friday made a small change to their 90-man roster. They might need to make another one soon.

San Francisco’s interior offensive line depth was struggling with injuries to multiple players. Left guard Aaron Banks is working through back spasms. Spencer Burford, a contender for the right guard job, is also out with a hand injury. Veteran Jon Feliciano was back in action Friday. He was eased into work after missing time with a knee injury.

That spurred the 49ers to sign veteran Pat Elflein. They waived undrafted rookie Briason Mays in a corresponding move. Elflein, 30, has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. In six seasons he has 64 starts in 65 games with versatility to play anywhere on the offensive interior.

Unfortunately for San Francisco, Elflein didn’t even make it through a full practice. He left Friday’s session during individual drills. Head coach Kyle Shanahan after practice said the 30-year-old pulled his calf.

This injury situation doesn’t qualify as a ‘disaster’ given where the calendar is. Early August bumps and bruises give the club plenty of runway to get key starters and reserves healthy for the regular season. That’s the goal for the 49ers in training camp.

However, they’re simply struggling to find bodies to take reps on the interior offensive line spots during camp. Depth on the 90-man roster matters because they can’t have someone like Nick Zakelj taking every practice rep. That’s not a realistic workload on the training camp schedule. Feliciano’s return should help, but Elflein going down puts them in a tough spot again.

It’s unclear whether the 49ers will make more changes to bring in more bodies to take practice reps on the interior. Given the state of the roster it makes sense that they’d do so. Burford isn’t liable to return any time soon.

In a small bit of good news, Banks isn’t supposed to miss much time with his back spasms according to Shanahan. The 49ers would like to have him healthy just because he’s a starter for them, but having him to take practice reps will matter too as long as their interior OL remains banged up.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

One area 49ers roster falls short compared to rest of NFL

The 49ers have the NFL’s best roster, but one group stands out as a weak point.

The 49ers own the NFL’s best roster. As a result of that they’re typically well-represented in various top-10 player rankings at each position. There’s a very clear weak spot on their roster though, and that’s reflected in their lack of even a mention in the ESPN top-10 interior offensive lineman rankings.

It wasn’t a huge surprise that zero 49ers were in the top 10 of interior linemen. They don’t invest heavily in that spot and while the play from that group has typically been okay, it hasn’t been Earth-shattering.

However, none of Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Jon Feliciano nor Spencer Burford were an honorable mention, and none of that quartet even received votes in a poll of league executives, scouts and coaches.

It’s not that it’s unfair or wrong that the 49ers didn’t have a player mentioned in ESPN’s write-up. It does underscore where the weakness lies with San Francisco’s roster.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has done an outstanding job of putting together an offense that allows his interior linemen to have success, particularly in the run game. That group is typically good enough throughout the course of a 17-game season. They’re even fine against early playoff foes.

Where the 49ers get hung up, and the reason that group needs to improve, is in big moments against the NFL’s top interior defensive linemen. Whether it was Aaron Donald or Chris Jones, San Francisco has seen their offense wrecked in big moments by interior defensive linemen multiple times.

For now the 49ers interior offensive line is okay, although the hope is that third-round pick Dominick Puni will be an upgrade at right guard. They do need to be able to win more matchups when game-planning goes out the window and they just need to win a rep. If they start doing that with more frequency, we may see the interior OL start to catch up to the rest of the roster.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

The Secret Superstars of Super Bowl LVIII

From Jauan Jennings to L’Jarius Sneed, here are 10 underrated players for the 49ers and Chiefs who could make all the difference in Super Bowl LVIII.

For every Super Bowl star you’d expect, there’s a player who comes out of nowhere in a relative sense to take over the biggest game of his life. That was just as true for Green Bay Packers receiver Max McGee in Super Bowl I as it was for Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco in Super Bowl LVII.

For the upcoming matchup between the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, we’d like to present 10 players — five from each team — whose deeds on the field have gone relatively unnoticed, but every one of them could be the one to take his team’s fortunes over the top.

Here are the Secret Superstars of Super Bowl LVIII.

[anyclip-media thumbnail=”https://cdn5.anyclip.com/Td2Fh40BR5iLzi9vSPGG/1707377294061_248x140_thumbnail.jpg” playlistId=”undefined” content=”PHNjcmlwdCBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vcGxheWVyLnBvcHRvay5jb20vYW55Y2xpcC13aWRnZXQvbHJlLXdpZGdldC9wcm9kL3YxL3NyYy9scmUuanMiIGRhdGEtYXI9IjE2OjkiIGRhdGEtcGxpZD0ia3JzZGVydGlncXllZXVydm5mZ2h1Mmp6b3pqdmFyMmgiIHB1Ym5hbWU9IjE5OTgiIHdpZGdldG5hbWU9IjAwMTZNMDAwMDJVMEIxa1FBRl9NODMyNSI+Cjwvc2NyaXB0Pg==”][/anyclip-media]