Veteran center Matt Hennessy latest 49ers backup called to step up after injury

SANTA CLARA — A big smile spread across Matt Hennessy’s face this week at the mere mention of the 49ers’ offensive system.“Playing in this scheme has kind of been a dream of mine,” Hennessy told NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think it’s the coolest thing in the world. And just watching it from afar, it was something I always wanted to be a part of.”Five years after thinking he had a chance to be a draft pick of the 49ers, Hennessy on Sunday will make his first start with the organization.Hennessy will take over in Week 8 against the Houston Texans’ stout defense, as he fills in for starting center Jake Brendel, who is expected to miss at least two games with a hamstring injury.Hennessy had a formal interview with the 49ers at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and believed there was a decent chance the 49ers could call his name on draft day. However, the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the third round with the No. 78 overall pick.He worked his way into a significant role in 2021 with Atlanta. He started all 17 regular-season games in his second season in the NFL. But he started only three games over the past four...