Robert Kupbens-USA TODAY Sports
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Throughout training camp and the preseason, rookie offensive guard Dominick Puni has been one of the bright spots for the San Francisco 49ers. The former Kansas Jayhawk took over the starting right guard spot at the beginning of training camp due to injuries to Spencer Burford and Jon Feliciano. It doesn’t look like Puni will be giving up the starting position anytime soon.
In 58 pass-blocking snaps, Puni has allowed just two quarterback pressures, has not allowed a sack and has a PFF (Pro Football Focus) grade of 98.3 in pass-blocking efficiency. He has been the 49ers’ most consistent offensive lineman and has also made strides in his run blocking.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters on Sunday and was asked how the offensive line, specifically Puni, has looked over the last few games. “I thought he did a good job in all three games,” Shanahan said. “He got a heck of an opportunity, as we’ve talked about before, when the guys in front of him went down, and I think he took advantage of it. He’s gotten better over the course of training camp and that’s carried over into these games.”
It’s unfortunate that it took a couple of injuries to get Puni into the starting lineup, but that’s the way it worked out. Puni’s job was to seize the opportunity, and he seems to have done just that.
Shanahan was then asked a follow-up question about Puni’s past as a left tackle at Kansas and whether San Francisco was ever tempted to use him for a rep or two in practice. Shanahan responded, “I mean, we probably would have if he hadn’t had to, you know, step up to the starting guard position in the first couple of days because Spence went down so fast and then Feliciano, and we couldn’t move him to those positions. But, you know, we didn’t draft him thinking we were going to use him there, but we know he has the skills to bail us out and do that if we have to.”
Only time will tell if the 49ers use Puni as a tackle, but right now the biggest question is whether the rookie is ready for the spotlight of Monday Night Football. The 49ers open the season on Monday, Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.
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