The San Francisco 49ers are grappling with yet another setback as their preseason preparations take a hit. Starting left guard Ben Bartch left Tuesday’s practice early with an apparent injury to his right arm or elbow, adding to the team’s growing list of concerns. The injury bug continues to plague the 49ers, raising questions about their depth and readiness as the regular season looms.
Bartch’s Injury Exposes Vulnerabilities
Bartch’s exit from practice is particularly troubling given his role as a key starter on the offensive line. The 49ers have leaned heavily on Bartch despite his injury-prone history, a risky bet that now appears to be backfiring. Just last month, Bartch sidelined himself during a weightlifting session, and this latest injury could further destabilize an already shaky offensive line.
Reporters noted that rookie Connor Colby stepped in to replace Bartch, bypassing Nick Zakelj, who had been the primary backup. Zakelj, who struggled in Week 1 of the preseason, was relegated to right guard with the second team and even saw snaps at center with the third team. This shift suggests the coaching staff may lack confidence in Zakelj’s ability to fill Bartch’s shoes, turning instead to Colby, a seventh-round draft pick with significant collegiate experience.
Connor Colby: A Rookie with Promise
Colby, a former Iowa Hawkeye, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having started 50 games across left guard, right guard, and right tackle during his four-year college career. In his 41 preseason snaps, Colby showed poise and competence, avoiding the “bad reps” that can haunt inexperienced linemen. While the 49ers found success last season with rookie Dominick Puni, a third-round pick, transitioning a seventh-rounder like Colby into a starting role is a taller order. Still, his steady performance in limited action offers a glimmer of hope for a team in desperate need of stability.
Alternatives on the Horizon?
If Bartch’s injury proves serious, the 49ers will need to explore their options. One intriguing possibility is Brandon Scherff, another former Hawkeye and a free agent after a 2024 season where he started all 17 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Scherff, a 10-year veteran and former No. 5 overall pick, played over 1,000 snaps last year but has spent his career at right guard, which could complicate a potential fit in San Francisco’s system.
A more immediate solution might be Jon Feliciano, a familiar face who has previously worked under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Feliciano’s knowledge of the 49ers’ system could allow him to step in quickly, providing a veteran presence to stabilize the line. Unlike signing a street free agent, bringing back Feliciano would minimize the learning curve and offer a plug-and-play option.
Season in Jeopardy?
The 49ers’ offensive line depth is being tested early, and Bartch’s injury only amplifies concerns about the team’s ability to protect their quarterback and execute their run-heavy scheme. With the regular season approaching, the coaching staff must decide whether to entrust the role to a rookie like Colby or seek a veteran stopgap. Either way, the loss of another starter in practice underscores the fragility of the 49ers’ roster.
Last season, the 49ers overcame challenges with a mix of grit and strategic roster moves, but repeating that success will require quick adaptation. Whether it’s Colby stepping up or a veteran like Feliciano or Scherff joining the fold, the 49ers need to act swiftly to keep their season from derailing before it even begins.
As the team awaits updates on Bartch’s condition, the spotlight is on Kyle Shanahan and his staff to navigate this latest crisis. The clock is ticking, and the 49ers’ playoff aspirations may hinge on how they address this growing injury toll.