Casual observers might assume veteran Robert Jones is the frontrunner for the job. After all, he has taken the majority of the first-team snaps. However, that doesn't mean the competition is settled.
Connor Colby is also competing for the starting role, although he hasn't seemingly been able to close the gap on Jones.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters Tuesday and provided an update on the 49ers' left guard competition.
"I think it's too early to say," Shanahan said. "There definitely is a battle there. It's open for anybody. Those guys would probably be the lead at it."
Shanahan also noted that he is eager to see rookie Carver Willis, a fourth-round draft pick, compete for the left guard job. However, Willis missed time with a concussion, putting him further behind the other candidates.
Thursday night's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans could provide a valuable opportunity for one of the contenders to make a strong impression on the coaching staff.
"It's still early," Shanahan continued. "We want to see those guys in the games, too, but it's definitely a battle for us to see who gets that spot."
With 49ers preseason games about to get underway, Jones, Colby, and Willis will have opportunities to make their cases and potentially change the pecking order.
For a team hoping to protect quarterback Brock Purdy and establish consistency on offense, finding the right answer at left guard will be an important part of the 49ers' preparations for the regular season.
Related News
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Training Camp Practice No. 10: Brock Purdy to De'Zhaun Stribling building steam, Nick Bosa still missing, offensive line battle, and other quick hits
The San Francisco 49ers held their 10th practice of training camp Monday, and while it was a relatively light session, there was plenty to take away from the day. The biggest news came before practice even got underway, with the 49ers announcing the signing of offensive lineman... -
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addresses the media during training camp
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Saturday's training camp practice. It was the first time he spoke publicly since suffering injuries during a July 14 car accident. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco... -
49ers training camp: Shanahan ramps up for preseason, Purdy throws two pick-sixes
The San Francisco 49ers held their ninth full training camp practice on Saturday as they continued preparations for the 2026 NFL season. The biggest 49ers-related news coming out of Santa Clara was head coach Kyle Shanahan surprising everyone by speaking to reporters. It was... -
49ers Training Camp Day 9: Defense dominates, Shanahan speaks to reporters, and more quick hits
Day nine of San Francisco 49ers training camp brought a little bit of everything. There was some good news on the injury front, a couple of defensive plays that Brock Purdy probably wishes he could have back, some struggles along the offensive line and, perhaps most...