Jon Feliciano Likely to Start on IR 2024

Some news coming from the San Francisco 49ers as guard Jon Feliciano is likely to start the 2024 season on the Injured Reserve list. Feliciano has missed much of training camp, and will now miss even more time. Here is more information on Feliciano’s injury and what is next for the 49ers offensive line.

Jon Feliciano to Start the Season on IR

The veteran guard recently underwent surgery on his knee. Given recovery time, this will mean Feliciano will most likely start the season on the Injured Reserve. This news came from Head Coach Kyle Shanahan while speaking to the media. Feliciano joins Kalia Davis as two players to watch for in the middle of the season to return from IR.

Feliciano joined the 49ers in 2023. Over the course of the season, he worked his way up to starting right guard. He is a veteran entering his tenth season in the NFL. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 2015 NFL Draft. Feliciano re-signed with the 49ers in the 2024 offseason indicating that this would be his final year in the NFL. Now, his final season will start with a bit of a delay.

When Will Feliciano Return?

As of now, Feliciano is expected to be out for about half of the season. If the recovery were just a couple of weeks, the 49ers would likely not place him on the Injured Reserve list. While there are other players that can take his place, this does hurt the depth on the offensive line. With all the minor injuries that the 49ers have been dealing with, getting Feliciano back during the second-half stretch of the season will be crucial. The good news is some of the players dealing with injuries are returning to practice. This includes players on the offensive line such as Spencer Burford and Ben Bartch.

Next Up at Right Guard

So with Feliciano out, who will be playing at right guard for San Francisco this year? There are two names to keep an eye out for.

Spencer Burford

The first player to watch for is third-year offensive lineman, Burford. Burford was drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. According to Pro Football Focus, he has given up five sacks and had nine penalties against him. This is through 846 offensive snaps.

Burford has had moments where he has done well but Feliciano earned the starting role last season. In the Super Bowl, Feliciano dealt with an injury, leading Burford to have to play in his place. Burford did not make the correct block, leading to Kansas City Chiefs defender, Chris Jones being free. Jones put the pressure on Purdy on what could have been an easy touchdown. Now, Burford has to work to earn a starting role again. Burford was recently dealing with a minor injury but is back at practice this week. He is participating in individual drills.

Dominick Puni

This year in the 2024 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Dominick Puni in the third round. Puni has been having an excellent training camp and has done well in the preseason games so far. Even veteran linebacker Fred Warner has had a ton of praise for the rookie guard. Puni faced the New Orleans Saints starting defenders in the preseason game and was able to hold off the veterans.

Starting as a rookie is not something that is done often with the 49ers. They prefer to develop players first. Puni is already stepping up big time and will be a player to watch to start this season. In 2023 while playing at Kansas, Puni did not allow a sack. This could end up being a big draft pick by the 49ers. Puni will be a name to watch for as a new starter on the offensive line.