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49ers’ Preseason Shock: Key OL’s Season in Jeopardy After Devastating Knee Injury vs. Raiders

Posted on August 17, 2025 - 9:58 am by

In a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 16, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers secured a thrilling 22-19 victory, capped by a dramatic 59-yard field goal from kicker Jake Moody. However, the celebration was overshadowed by a significant injury to starting right guard Dominick Puni, whose knee injury has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations for the upcoming NFL season.

The Injury That Shook the Niners

The incident occurred during the 49ers’ opening drive, a well-executed 12-play, 61-yard march orchestrated by quarterback Brock Purdy, which culminated in a 30-yard field goal to open the scoring. During the play, Puni, a key component of San Francisco’s offensive line, was caught in a pile-up and had his leg rolled up on while blocking for the field goal attempt. The 49ers quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game with a knee injury, raising immediate concerns among fans and the coaching staff.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a sobering update after the game, revealing that Puni’s injury is likely a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain, which could sideline the second-year pro for multiple weeks. “Dominick Puni left with a knee, never returned. He will be a few weeks, possible PCL,” Shanahan told reporters. While the prognosis suggests Puni avoided a more severe injury like a torn ACL, his absence could disrupt the 49ers’ offensive line cohesion as they approach their Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, 2025.

Puni’s Importance to the 49ers

Dominick Puni, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offensive line. After injuries to Spencer Burford and John Feliciano during last year’s training camp, Puni seized the starting right guard role and never relinquished it. His performance in the first half of the 2024 season earned him recognition as one of the league’s top guards, though he faced challenges later due to the physical toll of the NFL’s extended season.

Puni’s versatility and reliability make his injury particularly concerning, especially given the 49ers’ existing depth issues on the offensive line. With left guard Ben Bartch already sidelined by an elbow injury, the team is now forced to rely on backups like Nick Zakelj and rookie seventh-round pick Connor Colby, who struggle in pass protection. This injury could expose vulnerabilities in San Francisco’s offensive front, particularly against formidable defensive lines like that of the Seahawks.

Additional Injury Woes

Puni wasn’t the only casualty in the Raiders game. The 49ers also lost running backs Patrick Taylor Jr. and Corey Kiner to injuries. Taylor, a backup and special teams contributor, suffered a dislocated shoulder and is expected to miss a couple of weeks. Kiner, an undrafted rookie vying for a roster spot, was carted off with a high-ankle sprain after a promising 19-yard carry, facing a similar recovery timeline. These injuries add to an already lengthy list of setbacks, with over 20 players, including key backups like Jordan James (finger) and Isaac Guerendo (shoulder), dealing with ailments during training camp.

Despite the mounting injury concerns, Shanahan remained optimistic, noting, “Hopefully, we’ll get a bunch of guys back here. We didn’t lose anyone for the year or anything like that.” However, the loss of Puni, even temporarily, is a significant blow to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

A Glimmer of Hope

There is some cause for optimism. Puni was able to jog off the field under his own power, and sideline reports noted him walking without a brace late in the game, suggesting the injury may not be as severe as initially feared. The 49ers’ medical staff will conduct further tests to confirm the extent of the damage, but the current prognosis of a few weeks offers hope that Puni could return by the start of the regular season.

Looking Ahead

As the 49ers prepare for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the focus will be on protecting their remaining starters and evaluating depth players to fill the gaps. The offensive line’s performance without Puni will be under scrutiny, as backups like Zakelj and Colby must prove they can hold up against NFL competition. With the regular season looming, San Francisco’s ability to adapt to these setbacks will be critical to their success in a highly competitive NFC West.

The 49ers’ faithful will be anxiously awaiting further updates on Puni’s recovery, as his presence is vital to protecting Brock Purdy and maintaining the team’s potent offensive attack. For now, the team can only hope that this preseason shock doesn’t derail their season before it begins.