49ers OL coach lays out careful Trent Williams plan during training camp

With one week remaining before the San Francisco 49ers kick off the preseason against the Tennessee Titans, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster offered insight into several of the team’s biggest training camp storylines, from managing veteran stars to evaluating young talent.

Foerster said the offensive line rotation has been altered by injuries, but the coaching staff is still getting valuable evaluation opportunities. Robert Jones has received work at left guard, while Connor Colby continues rotating in at right guard after the original plan was disrupted by Carver Willis entering concussion protocol and Brett Toth’s injury.

Despite several players missing time, Foerster isn’t concerned about the team’s ability to continue through camp or participate in upcoming joint practices.

“It seems like we’re very healthy,” Foerster said, noting that bumps and bruises are expected during a physical training camp.

One player the 49ers are carefully monitoring is left tackle Trent Williams.

While Williams has participated in every practice, Foerster revealed the All-Pro is operating on a strict rep count of roughly 20 snaps per session. The goal isn’t to ramp Williams down, but rather to preserve him for the games that matter most.

“There’s only so much tread on the tire,” Foerster said. “Reps in July don’t take away from reps in January.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 01: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Trent Williams #71 of the San Francisco 49ers after running for a touchdown during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Foerster also praised Christian McCaffrey, who reportedly changed parts of his offseason training routine after an injury-shortened 2025 campaign. While he joked about hearing plenty regarding McCaffrey’s creative workouts, the veteran coach believes the results have been obvious.

“Christian looks great,” Foerster said. “Very decisive this camp. Running decisively, running downhill hard. Very no-nonsense approach to this season.”

The injuries at wide receiver and running back have also created more opportunities for younger players. Foerster acknowledged those absences aren’t ideal, but they allow the coaching staff to evaluate depth players against better competition instead of exclusively facing third-team defenders.

Foerster also highlighted the benefits of practicing against defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ varied fronts. Seeing multiple techniques and alignments throughout camp better prepares the offensive line for the diverse defensive styles they’ll encounter once the regular season begins.

As for the offensive line’s future, Foerster said Dominick Puni has continued building on last season’s success, while rookie Connor Colby has made encouraging progress but is still working through some of the same consistency issues that surfaced during live reps.

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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 13th – vs. Tennessee Titans – 6:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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