Concerns arose over whether San Francisco 49ers starting right guard Dominick Puni, last season's rookie standout, would be ready for Week 1 after suffering a knee sprain in the team's second preseason game. However, 49ers insider Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area shared encouraging news this week. During Monday's practice, Puni was seen on a side field running and showing significant improvement.
"I'd be surprised if he's not out there Week 1 at Seattle," Maiocco wrote.
49ers RG Dominick Puni (knee) was going through conditioning and physical therapy on a side field. I saw him running. He looked as if he's improved so much. I'd be surprised if he's not out there Week 1 at Seattle.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 25, 2025
If Puni isn't able to suit up against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, rookie Connor Colby is expected to step in at right guard.
Monday's practice also brought other positive developments for the 49ers. Defensive linemen Mykel Williams and CJ West returned after recovering from hyperextended knees, while Ben Bartch, the frontrunner to start at left guard, came back from an elbow injury.
The 49ers hope this is just the beginning of a turnaround from the tough injury luck the team has endured during training camp and the preseason.