The San Francisco 49ers may have found a new long-term starter on their offensive line.
Rookie seventh-round pick Connor Colby put together a strong showing in Week 2 when he replaced starting left guard Ben Bartch who went down with a high ankle sprain early in the 49ers’ win. Head coach Kyle Shanahan after the game had some strong praise for Colby in his first real NFL action.
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The 49ers on Wednesday placed Bartch on IR, meaning he’ll miss at least the next four games. That could be an opening for Colby to secure the long-term starting job even after Bartch returns. Shanahan on Wednesday said he wasn’t surprised by how well Colby played, and explained how the team’s belief in the rookie out of Iowa started during the preseason.
“I think pass pro has kind of been his strength we’ve noticed since he’s been here,” Shanahan said. “He has been a tough guy to get around. We could see it in one-on-ones early in camp. I think his adjustment has been a little bit more of the run game just a little bit more our style. I think it was in that game too versus New Orleans. But no, that’s why he made our team. He beat out some good players, some guys who have been in this League before. So, I think in order to do that we’ve got to feel pretty high on him.”
It was clear the 49ers were high an Bartch after he acquitted himself well in limited action in 2024. They essentially handed him the starting job going into 2025 after re-signing him on a one-year deal. While he may have been the answer to start 2025, there’s no long-term commitment to him for San Francisco.
In the meantime, Colby stood out early in his time with the 49ers and continued to do so in his first extended playing time. If Colby continues playing well, he may not relinquish the starting left guard job for the foreseeable future.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers draft picks: OL Connor Colby could become long-term starter
