Several San Francisco 49ers assistant coaches addressed reporters over the weekend, offering insights into key position battles. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster shared details on one of the most notable training camp competitions—the fight for the starting left guard job.
Several San Francisco 49ers assistant coaches addressed reporters over the weekend, offering insights into key position battles. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster shared details on one of the most notable training camp competitions—the fight for the starting left guard job.
On Sunday, Foerster confirmed what many expected—Bartch is the leader in the competition.
"Um, it's Bartch's job to lose, really," Foerster told The Athletic's Matt Barrows. "Nick had a chance when Ben was hurt early. But Ben came back quick enough. Nick would have really asserted himself and taken the role. And he did do good, yes, but we still feel Ben gives us the best shot."
When asked what he liked about Bartch, who is competing to replace Aaron Banks following Banks' lucrative move to the Green Bay Packers, Foerster praised Bartch's mindset and work ethic.
"He's always got a smile on his face, he loves to work," Bartch said. "He's kind of a — I won't say a throwback, but he's a football player. Likes lifting weights, likes playing football, just a rough-and-tumble kind of guy."
If Zakelj, the former roommate of starting quarterback Brock Purdy, can't win the job, he could still earn a valuable role as a versatile backup capable of playing guard or center.
What about swing tackle?
Another offensive line competition drawing less attention is for the swing tackle role, previously held by Jaylon Moore, who departed for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Foerster suggested a possible change in how the 49ers approach this position in 2025. Instead of relying on a single swing tackle, the team is experimenting with Spencer Burford at left tackle and Austin Pleasants at right tackle, which could lead to the 49ers keeping more tackles on the roster than usual.
"Right now, that's how it works," Foerster explained. "I don't know that they'll necessarily be a swing guy at this moment."
One potential solution could be Andre Dillard, currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with an ankle injury. He is expected to return soon and may be well-suited for the swing tackle role once healthy.
"He might become the third (tackle), then the fourth becomes a whole other situation," Foerster added. "... He has good quickness. He really does move well. He accelerates in the run game, he does have good balance. You know, he's not the fleetest-of-foot guy. He's a big man. But for a big guy, he can do our running game, which is a huge part for why big guys sometimes don't make it in this offense. But then, protection-wise, he's good. He's held his own."