49ers Lynch, Shanahan confirm rookie Dominick Puni is the starting RG

Aug 23, 2024, 11:15 AM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 18: Dominick Puni #77 of the San Francisco 49ers pass blocks against Khalen Saunders #50 the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The San Francisco 49ers rarely ask rookies to come in and have an immediate impact. But due to both injuries and performance, Dominick Puni appears to be the starting right guard to open Week 1.

The 49ers rookie offensive lineman has performed admirably during his preseason, putting in stellar seqences through two preseason games. And while it’s only the preseason, all signs seem to point to Puni starting for the 49ers. Both the team’ coach and general manager have hinted at such recently.

“(Quarterback Brock Purdy) was in there with possibly our two starting tackles, starting center, and our starting RG (Dominick Puni),” Kyle Shanahan said this week on KNBR.

“Puni, who has really earned that role to this point,” John Lynch added on the same station the following day.

Puni, a third-round pick, was selected because of his versatility along the offensive line. He was never meant to be the de-facto starter out of the gates, but things happen. The incumbents (Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford) got hurt, with both missing extended periods of practice to this point. The former will likely start the 2024 season on injured reserve after having knee surgery.

But it goes beyond just opportunity; You have to earn it on the 49ers. And Puni has to this point, allowing only one pressure in 44 pass-blocking snaps through two 49ers games. While isn’t perfect, he’s grown into the role quickly, showing the promise and poise that SF saw on tape coming out of college.

“Good. He’s played well. He’s kind of been consistent throughout, the way he started camp and has continued to work every week. He’s been a pretty consistent performer. Everything we saw him do in practice, he did in the game,” 49ers’ run-game coordinator Chris Forester said about Puni recently.

#49ere John Lynch confirms rookie Dominick Puni has earned the starting RG spot on @KNBR pic.twitter.com/760PDjXKFk
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) August 22, 2024

As for how the rookie is approaching the starting gig? It’s definitely crossed his mind, that is the ultimate goal after all. But just like an anchor on the OL, Puni has stayed consistent in his preparation, ready to do whatever is needed for the 49ers.

“Yeah, it’s definitely in the back of my head, but at the same time you gotta play Vegas on Friday. Just kind of taking it day by day. That’s kind of how I’ve done things my whole life, especially with football,” he stated.