ESPN highlights key spot protecting Brock Purdy as 49ers’ biggest training camp battle

The San Francisco 49ers are pulling out all the stops before the 2026 season. San Francisco reunited with Deebo Samuel to make sure they have enough firepower on offense. But one important position on the offensive line is still a mystery in the early days of training camp.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner highlighted the left guard position as the team’s biggest training camp battle in a recent article. The position is completely up for grabs after losing multiple players this offseason.

“The 49ers said goodbye to both guards — Ben Bartch (Detroit) and Spencer Burford(Las Vegas) — who were their top options at the position last year, leaving multiple players to battle for this job in camp,” Wagoner wrote. “It’s the only spot on the offense without an obvious starter.”

San Francisco already has an excellent o-line with Trent Williams still dominating at left tackle. Fortunately, that will make the left guard’s job easier playing between Williams and center Jake Brendel.

“The contenders include veteran Robert Jones, second-year option Connor Colby and rookie Carver Willis, with Brett Toth and Nick Zakelj also figuring into the mix. Colby might have an early edge as an incumbent, but this appears wide open as the preseason gets rolling.”

Jones boasts veteran experience, which could help him surpass Colby for the starting job. But the 49ers would likely be pleased if one of their younger players legitimately earns the job.

If the 49ers need a tiebreak, it may be which player can hold up better in pass protection. Protecting QB Brock Purdy will be incredibly important as San Francisco attempts to fight their way back into the playoffs.

Either way, the fact that San Francisco does not have a more pressing training camp battle is ultimately good news.

49ers fans should keep a close eye on this training camp battle over the next month.

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