49ers' offensive line back to full strength in bonus practice for Eagles game
The San Francisco 49ers haven't had their entire starting offensive line on the field at the same time since Week 6. That could be about to change right in time for the most anticipated game of their season. San Francisco held a bonus practice on Monday as the 49ers prepare for their NFC Championship Game […]
The San Francisco 49ers haven't had their entire starting offensive line on the field at the same time since Week 6.
That could be about to change right in time for the most anticipated game of their season.
San Francisco held a bonus practice on Monday as the 49ers prepare for their NFC Championship Game rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Burford's timely boost
Back out there on the field was starting right guard Spencer Burford, who missed the Niners' Thanksgiving win over the Seattle Seahawks with a knee injury.
He was joined by left guard Aaron Banks, who returned to face Seattle despite not being 100 percent recovered from turf toe. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who missed two games after injuring his ankle in Week 6, was also out there. Williams will likely get his typical veteran's rest day on Wednesday.
Since returning from the bye, the 49ers have coped very well without first Banks and then Burford, with veteran Jon Feliciano filling in at both left and right guard during their three-game winning streak.
Still the timing in terms of getting Burford back could not be better. In the Eagles, the 49ers are set to face a defense that is sixth in pressure rate (24.2%), per Pro Football Reference. The Niners know all too well the damage the Philadelphia front can do, having lost starting quarterback Brock Purdy to an elbow ligament injury suffered on a hit from Haason Reddick on their first offensive series of the last season's title game.
A potential timeshare
Burford, assuming he is ready to go, may not return to a full starting role, as head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that, prior to the injury to Banks, the 49ers were leaning towards implementing a timeshare at right guard between Burford and Feliciano.
Regardless of whether they take that course of action, the 49ers will be delighted to have their full complement of starters up front in the mix as they attempt to move within one game of Philadelphia in the race for the one seed in the NFC.
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Arik Armstead was not seen in the section of practice open to the media.
Armstead was not reported as suffering an injury against Seattle. The 2015 first-round pick is enjoying a stellar year, registering five sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan will provide injury updates during his Wednesday press conference. The 49ers have their usual players day off on Tuesday.
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