It has nothing to do with the competition because there has been no competition. Center Ben Garland made sure of that after suffering an ankle sprain that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of camp. He is expected to be healthy for Week 1, though.
That injury has forced Brunskill to fill in at center, leaving Compton with most of the reps at right guard.
"That likely means Garland and Tom Compton are the center and right guard combination for that game (against the Arizona Cardinals)," Barrows recently wrote in a mailbag. "Why? Because Garland's absence has meant Brunskill has had to fill in at center instead of dueling with Compton at right guard."
It looks like Garland's injury may have cost Brunskill a potential starting job. However, it also means the already versatile offensive lineman is receiving valuable reps at center, should he be needed to fill in during the season.
Garland, by the way, is keeping the spot warm himself with starter Weston Richburg expected to land on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list and missing at least the first six games of the season. He is attempting to return from the torn patellar tendon he suffered late last season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Hall of Fame adds dynasty legend Keena Turner as 34th inductee
The San Francisco 49ers and the York family announced that linebacker Keena Turner will become the 34th inductee into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. Turner's induction ceremony will take place in San Francisco's Week 6 matchup against the... -
49ers All-Pro George Kittle: Mike Evans was 'cooking everybody' during OTAs
Mike Evans is expected to elevate the San Francisco 49ers offense in 2026, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a big-bodied red-zone weapon—arguably the best of his NFL career. While Evans has not typically participated in organized team activities (OTAs), which are voluntary... -
49ers and Maxx Crosby: Albert Breer weighs in on potential blockbuster trade
Many believe the San Francisco 49ers could benefit from adding another proven veteran pass rusher to their defensive front. While the defense will welcome back Nick Bosa and expects 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams to return to the lineup at some point, the team could still... -
Dominick Puni named 49ers' under-the-radar breakout candidate for 2026
The San Francisco 49ers have several players who could emerge as breakout performers in 2026. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is entering his third NFL season and looking to establish himself as a major contributor within the offense. Defensive end Mykel Williams, the team's 2025...