Spencer

Burford

The 49ers also ruled out EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) and C Jake Brendel (hamstring), while labeling DT Jordan Elliott (ankle/personal matter), LB Dee Winters (knee), DL Sam Okuayinonu (ankle), OG Ben Bartch (ankle) and OL Spencer Burford (knee) questionable for Week 9. The 49ers’ defense is officially one to target for fantasy purposes and their poor health should also reinforce the offense’s passing volume.

Bartch started in place of LG Aaron Banks, who is currently sidelined by a concussion. Bartch remained down after a play and was eventually escorted to the blue medical tent. Backup OL Spencer Burford replaced Bartch at LG.

Burford has started 29 games with 30 appearances through his first two years in the league with the 49ers. The team is reportedly in the process of deciding whether or not to pursue surgery although he is expected to miss three weeks regardless. The health of Jon Feliciano and Aaron Banks could determine how much playing time Burford sees on the interior in 2024 and could help rookie Dominick Puni earn more offensive snaps early in the season.

Kyle Shanahan described it as a lateral sprain, and Burford was spotted in a walking boot after the game. It’s possible he misses a couple of weeks, and he’s likely week to week at this point. Daniel Brunskill took over for Burford at guard.

Burford played primarily at left tackle in college but appears to be making the transition to guard smoothly. He was assumed to be competing with Daniel Brunskill for the right guard spot, but Lombardi notes that Brunskill “has worked exclusively at center during this training camp.” The 49ers’ offensive line has some question marks outside of starting LT Trent Williams, as evidenced by the fact that they’ll likely have a fourth-round rookie playing right guard. It’s a positive sign that Burford is at least running away with the job.

Burford (6'4"/304) made 45 starts for UTSA and was a 2021 first-team All-Conference USA selection, earning a career best 76.8 PFF grade. He played primarily at left tackle but also saw time at right tackle and both guard spots, showing tremendous versatility. Burford is athletic and fairly long, with 70+ percentile wingspan and arm length. His footwork and explosion are his key traits, with great lateral quickness that allows him to get out and move when run blocking, and he will excel in mobile systems rather than as a mauler. His speed does come at something of a cost, though. He lacks strength and mass and that makes him vulnerable to the bull rush. Burford can also have some sloppy technique that will need to be cleaned up. Weight and strength will come with an NFL training program, and when added to the athleticism and mobility he already has, he will be able to find success at the next level.