49ers veteran hints his career might be coming to an end after disappointing injury update
San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jon Feliciano was a key part of last year's team that came within a play of winning Super Bowl 58, with an injury to his knee playing a critical role in their eventual overtime demise. Feliciano was reduced to spectator as his replacement at right guard, Spencer Burford, committed a […]
San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jon Feliciano was a key part of last year's team that came within a play of winning Super Bowl 58, with an injury to his knee playing a critical role in their eventual overtime demise.
Feliciano was reduced to spectator as his replacement at right guard, Spencer Burford, committed a key error in protection to allow Chris Jones to scream through unblocked and prevent Brock Purdy from throwing a red zone touchdown on the Niners' only overtime possession against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now that same injury may well signal the end of Feliciano's career.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Monday that Feliciano would remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season, his knee having not responded as they wanted after opening his 21-day practice window.
"Jon is going to stay on IR," said Shanahan. "Knee hasn't responded the right way, so unfortunately for Jon, and us, but just had a talk with him here a little bit ago and he's going to have to stay on IR."
It is a significant blow to the depth of an offensive line that is struggling on the interior, with starting guards Aaron Banks (concussion) and Dominick Puni (shoulder) both doubts for Week 13 and center Jake Brendel continuing to attract criticism for his performances.
But specifically for Feliciano, it is a setback that looks like it could lead to him hanging up the cleats.
He indicated as much in a post on X on Monday, writing: "Tried my hardest. Father Time real. Hoping this ain’t the end but if it is, Hell of a ride."
It would be a real shame for Feliciano, who is still only 32, if this is the end. He was one of the 49ers' best run blockers last season, while his ability to play both center and guard has provided San Francisco with some useful roster flexibility up front.
Stepping it at left guard or center was likely Feliciano's best path towards playing starter snaps in 2024, with rookie third-round pick Puni making the right guard spot his own as the cream of a strong rookie class.
Now with Feliciano on the shelf, the 49ers may need to find new solutions on the interior of the trenches, an area of the roster that will likely require significant attention in the offseason regardless of whether San Francisco succeeds in righting the ship this year.
49ers get some good news that will give them an emotional boost precisely when they need it most
A key player is ready to return to practice.
