49ers Left Guard Job Remains Unsettled as Robert Jones Gets First-Team Look

Coaches plan more practice reps, preseason drills, and roster evaluations to decide the starter before final cuts.

Overview

Connor Colby entered camp with an early edge after offseason work but has been bumped down to second- and third-team reps as the competition continues.
This week veteran Robert Jones has taken first-team reps at left guard as coaches deliberately evaluate him against different matchups.
Injuries to fourth-round pick Carver Willis, who is in concussion protocol, and to Brett Toth have limited planned interior rotations and slowed the coaching staff’s full assessment.
The 49ers chose a low-cost approach for the interior line, leaning on late-round picks and inexpensive veterans rather than a big free-agent signing to fill left guard.
Coaches led on-field by Chris Foerster will keep using camp and preseason reps to sort the race and finalize the starter during late-August roster cutdowns.