San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has confirmed that several key players, including star offensive tackle Trent Williams and starting guard Aaron Banks, will miss the team’s final two games of the 2024 regular season due to injuries. With the postseason looming, this news creates additional challenges for the 49ers, who have been in the hunt for a high playoff seed. As they prepare to finish the regular season without some of their top contributors, the team will need to adjust and rely on depth and resilience to stay competitive.
Key Injuries Impacting the 49ers’ Offensive Line
Trent Williams, widely regarded as one of the best left tackles in the NFL, is arguably the biggest loss for the 49ers. Known for his exceptional pass protection and run-blocking abilities, Williams has been a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line. His absence creates a significant void, especially given how reliant the 49ers’ offense is on a strong and cohesive front five to protect quarterback Brock Purdy and open lanes for their running backs.
Aaron Banks, the 49ers’ starting left guard, is another crucial piece of the offensive line that will not be available for the final games. Banks has been a solid performer in his second season, bringing stability to the interior of the line. His absence will undoubtedly place additional pressure on the remaining linemen to step up and maintain the level of performance needed for a high-powered offense.
While the exact nature of their injuries has not been fully disclosed, both Williams and Banks have been key players in the 49ers’ dominant offensive line throughout the season. Their losses, especially during such a crucial stretch of the regular season, are a significant blow to San Francisco’s playoff aspirations.
Who Will Step Up?
With Williams and Banks sidelined, Shanahan and his staff will have to turn to backups to fill the gaps. Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore, who has seen limited action this season, is expected to take over at left tackle in Williams’ absence. Moore, who has shown flashes of potential in the past, will have the tough task of protecting Purdy’s blindside against some of the league’s top pass rushers.
At left guard, the 49ers will likely lean on veteran Aaron Banks’ backup, Spencer Burford. Burford, who has rotated in and out of the starting lineup this season, will need to build chemistry with his fellow linemen and provide the necessary protection to allow the 49ers’ offense to continue running smoothly. Both Moore and Burford will be under intense scrutiny, especially given the high stakes of the final two games.
Shanahan will also need to ensure that Purdy, the young quarterback who has had an impressive season in his first full year as a starter, has the necessary protection in the pocket. Purdy has been efficient and effective but is still a relatively untested player when it comes to high-pressure playoff scenarios. Without the protection of his starting linemen, he will need to adjust his game and work closely with his offensive coordinator to maintain success.
Playoff Implications
While the 49ers remain in a strong position to make the playoffs, the injuries to key offensive linemen could have major implications for their postseason run. The final two regular-season games, particularly if they are against formidable opponents, will be important in securing a favorable playoff seed. The 49ers will need to win at least one of those games to maintain their playoff position and to avoid entering the postseason with major questions on the offensive line.
If the 49ers do manage to make the playoffs, they will need to be at their best despite the setbacks. Their defense, which has been one of the top units in the NFL, will likely need to carry a larger portion of the load in the absence of their offensive line’s full strength. The 49ers’ defense has been able to create turnovers and set the tone in games, and it will be even more crucial for them to step up with the offensive line in flux.
Looking Ahead: Postseason Hopes
Despite the injuries, the 49ers are still one of the most talented teams in the league, and their chances of making a deep playoff run remain high. The combination of Purdy’s growth, Shanahan’s innovative playcalling, and the defense’s dominance gives the 49ers a solid foundation even without Williams and Banks. However, the road to the Super Bowl will be significantly more difficult if they don’t regain the full strength of their offensive line.
Shanahan’s ability to adjust on the fly will be key. With the final two games of the regular season serving as a critical tune-up for the playoffs, the 49ers will need to find ways to maintain offensive balance and protect Purdy while continuing to dominate on defense. If the backups can step in and perform at a high level, San Francisco will still be a dangerous team come postseason time.
In the end, while the losses of Williams and Banks are significant, the 49ers’ depth and coaching staff may be enough to overcome these obstacles and keep their championship hopes alive.
