49ers Face Left Guard Quandary Following Ben Bartch Injury
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate the aftermath of Ben Bartch’s injury, which has forced the team to implement what can only be described as plan D for their left guard position. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Bartch will be placed on injured reserve, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the season. In his stead, Spencer Burford, who spent much of the summer working as the backup left tackle, will step into the role, despite limited experience at left guard.
Injury Woes and Roster Decisions
The challenges at left guard for the 49ers are largely self-inflicted. While injuries have certainly played a part, the organization entered the season with a glaring lack of depth at this critical position. The departure of Aaron Banks in free agency was anticipated, yet the 49ers failed to secure a viable replacement. Instead, they opted to add just one external player—seventh-round rookie Connor Colby—leaving the team dangerously thin.
Bartch, who had been with the 49ers for two and a half seasons, was initially expected to fill the gap. However, his track record raises concerns; he has not exceeded 293 snaps in a season since 2022. After starting in 2021 and again in 2022, his last campaign was cut short due to a knee injury. His spotty availability made it questionable to rely on a player with only ten starts in three seasons as the cornerstone of the left guard position.
Transitioning Players in the Lineup
When Bartch went down, the team turned to Colby, who was clearly overwhelmed when thrust into action too soon. The 49ers may have preferred to shift Burford back to left guard instead of Nick Zakelj, but Burford was nursing his own injury. Zakelj has been with the practice squad for some time and stepped in to replace Colby, yet his own performance has not inspired confidence.
Now, the 49ers are on their fourth option at left guard, a player they initially sidelined in favor of Burford for the left tackle position. While Burford has shown more promise than both Colby and Zakelj in his five starts this season, he still falls short of Bartch’s capabilities. If Burford can solidify his role, it may appear that the 49ers have stumbled upon a solution, but it does little to mitigate the reality that their offensive line has a significant weakness.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the 49ers will need to address the left guard position more strategically. With the offseason approaching, it will be critical for the organization to evaluate their options and determine a path forward to avoid repeating the pitfalls of this season. The current situation serves as a stark reminder that depth in critical positions is essential for a successful campaign, and the consequences of oversight can be felt throughout the roster.
