In 58 pass-blocking snaps, Puni has given up only two QB pressures, allowed no sacks, 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 shown improvement in his run blocking, as well.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Sunday and was asked how the offensive line, specifically Puni, has looked the last couple of games. "I thought he's done a good job in all three of his games," Shanahan said. "He's, you know, as we've talked about before, he got a hell of an opportunity with, you know, the guys in front of him going down and believe he's taken advantage of it. He's gotten better throughout the camp and it's carried over to these games."
It's unfortunate that it took a couple of injuries to get Puni into the starting lineup, but it's how things unfolded. Puni's job was to take advantage of the opportunity. He seems to have done so.
Shanahan was then asked a follow-up question regarding Puni's background playing left tackle at Kansas, and if San Francisco was ever tempted to throw him in there for a rep or two in practice. Shanahan answered, "I mean, we probably would have if he, you know, didn't have to get at the starting guard position within those first couple days because just with Spence going down so fast and then Feliciano doing the same, so we weren't able to move him out there at those spots. But, you know, we didn't draft him thinking we would put him there, but we know he has the skillset to get us out of a pinch and do that if he had to."
Only time will tell whether or not the 49ers decide to use Puni at tackle, but for now, the biggest question will be if the rookie is ready for the bright lights of Monday Night Football. The 49ers open the season against the New York Jets on Monday, September 9.
Written By:
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
Marc Adams
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers will play 'a number of starters' vs. Chargers, says Kyle Shanahan
Most of the San Francisco 49ers' projected starters sat out last week's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. That won't be the case Thursday night when the 49ers face the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. "Not all of them, but I expect a number of starters to... -
49ers Rookie Kaelon Black Has Chance to Seize RB2 Role Against Chargers
Many starters are in line to play tonight for the San Francisco 49ers as they take the field for their second preseason game, this time against the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Mike Evans are both dealing with tightness, while tight... -
49ers injury news: Kyle Shanahan shares updates on Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa missed his fifth consecutive practice Tuesday, this time sitting out a joint session with the Tennessee Titans. Running back Christian McCaffrey has missed two straight practices, leading some fans to grow concerned about the status... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy share updates after 49ers-Titans joint practice
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters after Tuesday's joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything they had to say. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Head Coach Kyle...