Burford’s broken hand could flip Dominick Puni into 49ers’ rookie starter
SANTA CLARA — Rookie Dominick Puni might be fast-tracked into a starting spot on the Super Bowl-contending 49ers’ offensive line.
His potential aside, Puni played right guard on the first-string unit both Friday and Saturday because injuries sidelined his top competition, Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford.
Burford might undergo surgery on his fractured right hand, after taking all first-team snaps through two practices as he seeks to avenge a Super Bowl blocking gaffe.
Feliciano, who supplanted Burford as the starting right guard midway through last season, is believed to be dealing with a knee issue ahead of his 10th NFL season.
That opens the door for Puni. That doesn’t freak out the 49ers, who might need his versatile services either in Week 1 at right guard or later in his rookie season elsewhere on the line.
“He’s done a real good job,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We haven’t had pads on yet, which is always a challenge for guys in protection. He’s stepped in, gotten more reps, and I’m excited about him.”
The 49ers, after Sunday’s day off, will suit up in pads Monday for the first time of camp, which is honestly when the judging begins for such high-contact spots among linemen. The pass protection thus far hasn’t been ideal, as expected behind a patchwork unit.
Missing from camp’s opening, four-practice block were left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, both of whom are embroiled in contract disputes. While Williams draws a $50,000 daily fine as a holdout, Aiyuk is attending meetings and participating in all but practices, and he stoically watched Saturday’s warmups from a cart near the weight room.
Presuming Williams and Aiyuk get their business resolved, the 49ers’ high-producing offense returns intact from last season’s NFC-winning effort, led by Brock Purdy’s franchise-record passing total (4,280 yards) and Christian McCaffrey’s NFL-leading rushing output.
The offense could improve as it welcomes the NFL Draft additions of Puni, a third-round choice out of Kansas, as well as wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, a first-round pick who’s expected to make his camp debut Monday if his hamstring strain allows.
When Puni reported to rookie camp in May, he spoke like a true lineman: “Physicality, hard-nose football, run the ball — it is what I like to do.” He also knew who he’d be protecting: “I love Brock Purdy. The fact he was the last pick, that’s storybook.”
Puni has made a positive first impression adapting to the NFL and a complex scheme. Three summers ago, he was at the University of Central Missouri, before transferring to Kansas and finishing his collegiate career as a sack-denying offensive tackle.
Chris Foerster, the 49ers’ offensive line coach and run-game coordinator, called Puni a “special guy,” commending his strong frame (6-foot-5, 313 pounds) and intelligence as he learns not just a new scheme but a new position. He played left tackle, left guard and right tackle in college.
“Even if Puni is the best player, is that the guy?” Foerster rhetorically asked Friday. “Do you want him out there opening game, Monday Night Football against the Jets? If he’s the best player, you do, but those are bright lights.”
Two years ago, Burford started the 49ers’ season-opening loss at Chicago, and he remained the starter into last season before Feliciano took over at the midseason bye. Foerster stopped short of calling it an open competition and instead referred to it as a “fluid situation.”
“Everyone in the room can play. That’s why they’re here,” center Jake Brendel said. “The coaching staff wants the best players to be out there, and we do, too. We’re definitely seeing a lot of bodies at right guard with injuries. One thing is for sure: Foerster’s going to have the best guy out there for us.”
Burford participated in position warmups then retreated to individual conditioning on a side field during 11-on-11 action.
HUFANGA TIMELINE
Safety Talanoa Hufanga’s camp debut is being targeted for the 49ers’ joint practices Aug. 15-16 against the New Orleans Saints, Shanahan said. Hufanga has been rehabilitating on the side from last November’s anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Meanwhile, Shanahan did not opine for the 49ers to sign a veteran free agent as cover, insisting he is happy with a safety unit that’s led by Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odum, while complemented by Erik Harris, Tayler Hawkins and Malik Mustapha.
PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS
McCaffrey, Brendel, Nick Bosa, Charvarius Ward, and, Maliek Collins all returned to action after a day off. McCaffrey had a strong run down the sideline and nearly made an over-the-shoulder catch there, too. Bosa made quick work of left tackle Jaylon Moore on an early play. … Josh Dobbs had his best practice of camp with completions to Chris Conley, Trent Taylor, Jake Tonges, Brayden Willis and Danny Gray. … Purdy’s. pass of the day came when he layered a 15-yard toss over Fred Warner’s reach and to crossing receiver Malik Turner. … Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave rested Saturday, so Kevin Givens and Jordan Elliott rotated next to Collins. … Wide receiver Frank Darby, a 2021 sixth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons, made his practice debut upon signing a one-year deal. … Cornerback Kemon Hall, a 2023 practice squad member, was waived.