December 28th 2024.
As the San Francisco 49ers wrap up their season, there is one game that stands out to Dominick Puni. It was the game against the New England Patriots in Week 4, where he missed one snap due to a blow to the stomach. Puni, a rookie third-round draft pick, will be starting as the right guard on Monday night against the Detroit Lions. The rest of the offensive line is still being determined, with injuries affecting multiple players.
Spencer Burford, the third-string left tackle, will be out with a calf injury, along with left guard Aaron Banks, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and defensive end Robert Beal Jr. Right tackle Colton McKivitz is listed as questionable with a knee injury and may not play. The team is also dealing with injuries to safety Ji'Ayir Brown, linebacker Tatum Bethune, and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
Banks is expected to be placed on injured reserve, but Bethune may be activated from the list. If McKivitz is unable to play, the offensive line could consist of Charlie Heck at left tackle, Nick Zakelj at left guard, Jake Brendel at center, Puni at right guard, and Austen Pleasants at right tackle. Despite the challenges of playing with a mix-and-match offensive line, coach Kyle Shanahan is confident in his team's ability to communicate and perform well.
Puni, who has been a consistent starter and key player for the 49ers, finds himself in the unusual position of being a rookie dispensing advice and wisdom to his fellow linemates. He credits his teammates and coach for helping him develop and improve, and is proud of his durability and ability to consistently play every snap.
As the outside world debates whether injured players should play or not, Puni's mentality is simple: if he can play, he will. He doesn't want to let his team down by bringing in a backup who may not be as prepared. And for Puni, it's exciting to be a part of the team's future and to continue to grow and improve.
In other news, running back Isaac Guerendo is expected to return to the field after missing the last game, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk is also back after being absent for a couple of days due to illness. The team is also eagerly awaiting the return of cornerback Charvarius Ward, who has been away due to the birth of his son.
In terms of Hall of Fame nominations, former 49ers players Ricky Watters and Anquan Boldin did not make the cut for the Class of 2025. However, coach Kyle Shanahan has fond memories of Watters, who was a game-changer for the team during his time as a coach's son. And although Shanahan is rooting for Detroit coach Dan Campbell, he's also determined to take down the Lions in their upcoming game.
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