The San Francisco 49ers look like they will once again be contenders during the 2023 season. Not only do they have arguably the best roster in the NFC, they can stack up against the roster of any team in the NFL.
The 49ers look like a juggernaut, loaded with All-Pro and Pro Bowl-caliber players on both sides of the ball. With a healthy roster, head coach Kyle Shanahan has proven capable of directing his teams to great heights as San Francisco has played in the NFC Championship Game three out of the last four seasons.
Unfortunately, they have been unable to get over the hump and win the big one. San Francisco is 1-2 in those NFCCG and 0-1 in the Super Bowl, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs at the end of the 2019 season.
The 49ers certainly have the pieces to go all the way this season, but like every team in the league, a few questions need to be answered. Here are five early ones surrounding the team heading into the season.
5. Who Replaces Mike McGlinchey At Right Tackle?
The 49ers offensive line is anchored by Trent Williams at left tackle. For years, he had Mike McGlinchey as his bookend at right tackle. However, that spot is now open as McGlinchey departed for the Denver Broncos in free agency.
Who will replace the 2018 first-round pick? It looks like the first shot will go to Colton McKivitz. McKivitz started one game last season, in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, in place of Williams. He helped hold Aaron Donald in check, as he had zero sacks and one quarterback hit.
”He’s (McKivitz) always had to fill in short spells and has done a good job for us,” offensive line coach Chris Foerster said. “I think that knowing the job is his coming into it, and it’s his job to lose, kind of. Although, there will be guys that are there to compete if it doesn’t work out. I think it is also going to help build his confidence. He is good for the position.”
A fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, McKivitz has made 28 appearances with five starts. He will have plenty of eyes on him stepping into a full-time starting role for the first time in his career.
