The San Francisco 49ers have been able to survive injuries to several key players through their first nine weeks of the season, including losing left guard Ben Bartch in Week 2 and center Jake Brendel in Week 7.
Now, with the 49ers preparing for their Week 10 battle with the Los Angeles Rams, their second meeting with Sean McVay’s team this year, they may get their full offensive line back for the first time since Bartch landed on injured reserve.
Brendel suffered a hamstring injury just 20 snaps into their win over the Atlanta Falcons, and Matt Hennessy has filled in the last two weeks and has looked solid. Appearing on KNBR on Thursday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Brendel’s in line to return on Sunday against the Rams.
Bartch is a bit more of a question. His 21-day practice window opened last week, and he’s been a full participant in the team’s first two practices of the week.
San Francisco started rookie Connor Colby after Bartch went down, but they put in Spencer Burford at left guard last week, and he held his own. While the 49ers would have to open up a roster spot to get Bartch back, they’ve yet to put Mykel Williams on injured reserve, so that could be a corresponding move.
Shanahan’s offense is getting healthier, and if they can get Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk on the field in the coming weeks, there’s a potential for them to be at full strength for a possible playoff run.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers could have their full starting offensive line back in Week 10
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
