Throughout training camp and preseason, one of the bright spots for the San Francisco 49ers has been rookie offensive guard Dominick Puni. The former Kansas Jayhawk took over the starting right guard spot early in camp due to injuries sustained by Spencer Burford and Jon Feliciano. Puni does not look like he will be giving that starting position back anytime soon.
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.
