49ers head coach optimistic about Week 1 return for standout rookie from last season

The San Francisco 49ers got some good news on the injury front Wednesday when head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update on second-year right guard Dominick Puni.

Puni sustained a knee injury in the 49ers’ second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The team got good news that their right guard avoided a major injury, but his status for Week 1 was in doubt. Shanahan on Wednesday changed his tune some when giving an update on Puni.

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“We’re optimistic about it,” Shanahan said. “We’re hoping so. I guess I would say that’d be trending in the right direction, but we won’t know that until next week. We got (Ben) Bartch back out on Monday’s practice, we’re on course for that, and hoping to get Puni out sometime next week, if not Monday, hopefully Wednesday. But he’s doing good in his rehab and it’s looking positive so far.”

Bartch injured his elbow late in the preseason and didn’t suit up for either of the final two preseason contests.

Getting Puni back would be a pretty significant deal for San Francisco since they’ll need all hands on deck at other positions while their wide receiver room maintains its seemingly interminable state of flux.

Puni, a third-round pick in the 2024 draft, was a standout on the 49ers’ offensive front as a rookie and was arguably their second-best offensive lineman. Losing him would have forced San Francisco to immediately dip into their shaky depth chart on the interior.

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If Puni is unable to get ready to play by Week 1, rookie seventh-round pick Connor Colby would be the likely replacement after Colby started at right guard in the preseason finale.

The 49ers’ regular season kicks off against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 7 from Lumen Field in Seattle.

More 49ers: 49ers bringing back surprising veteran WR who was released after strong training camp

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers get good injury news in Dominick Puni update

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