Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Naquan Jones (96) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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49ers’ Offensive Line woes mount: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, and Jaylon Moore out for season; Spencer Burford under evaluation

49ers' season hit by major offensive line injuries

The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed that owing to an ankle injury, left tackle Trent Williams will miss the final two games of the season. An 11-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro player, Williams has been sidelined since November 17, right after the game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Is Trent Williams’ season over?

Yes. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced, “He hasn’t been able to improve enough to get him out there, and we don’t see that happening enough in these two weeks, especially with the situation we’re in.” The 49ers, already eliminated from playoff contention, see no reason to rush the veteran back.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said LT Trent Williams will not play in the team’s final two games; his season is over.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 23, 2024

Williams’ absence has been critical for the 49ers. The team has gone 1-6 in games without him over the past two seasons, a testament to his importance on the offensive line.

Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore join the injury list

Left guard Aaron Banks and left tackle Jaylon Moore are also out for the remainder of the season. Banks sustained a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in his right knee during Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins. The injury occurred when running back Patrick Taylor was tackled into Banks, leaving the lineman unable to continue.

Jaylon Moore and Aaron Banks are both done for the season with their injuries and the 49ers are still evaluating Spencer Burford who has calf soreness. So the 49ers will continue with their very depleted OL to finish this season.

Trent Williams also done for the season
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) December 24, 2024

Jaylon Moore, who was starting in place of Trent Williams, suffered a quad strain during the game.

Banks and Moore’s injuries mean the 49ers have to now rely heavily on third and potentially fourth-string players to fill critical roles.

Spencer Burford’s status uncertain

Spencer Burford, the 49ers’ backup on the interior line, is also dealing with a calf injury. His MRI results are pending and HC Shanahan has not yet confirmed the severity of the issue. If he can’t play, the team will have to rely on Nick Zakelj, stepped in at left guard during Sunday’s game, or newly signed Austen Pleasants to step in.

How long does it take to recover from these injuries?

Ankle injuries in the NFL, like Williams’ can linger, especially for linemen. Recovery times vary depending on severity, but his multi-week absence suggests it’s significant. For Banks, MCL sprains typically require 4-6 weeks minimum, ruling him out for any late-season heroics. Moore’s quad strain is a longer road—months, not weeks.

Burford’s status is less clear, but even mild calf strains can sideline a player for at least two weeks. With only two games left, time isn’t on his side.

Brock Purdy will start the final two games despite OL depletion

Despite the offensive line injuries, Shanahan has no plans to bench quarterback Brock Purdy for the final two games. When asked about the situation, Shanahan said, “We’ve got a football team. We’ve got to go out, and we’ve got two games here and we’ve got to see what guys we can put out there.”

Brock Purdy says it doesn't matter who's out there he should be elevating who's on the field:

"In the moment I just gotta be better… Learning a lot ya know it hurts going through it kind of thing. I still have all the faith in the world in what we can do." pic.twitter.com/sQi5W31Yfz
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 23, 2024

Purdy is nearing eligibility for a lucrative long-term contract. The risk is obvious. Purdy will have minimal protection, playing behind third or even fourth-string linemen. It’s a tough spot, but the 49ers aren’t benching him.

Image: Imagn Images (© Darren Yamashita)

49ers’ Offensive Line

49ers’ Offensive Line Injuries

Aaron Banks

Aaron banks injury update

Brock Purdy

Jaylon Moore

jaylon Moore injury update

Spencer Burford

Spencer Burford Injury update

Trent Williams

Trent Williams injury update

Natasha Bose

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