The San Francisco 49ers are without offensive guard Jonathan Cooper for the start of training camp, but it does not mean there is no competition at right guard. Joshua Garnett and Mike Person are officially splitting starting right guard snaps in camp. Garnett got first team snaps on Thursday, and veteran addition Mike Person got first team snaps on Friday. It is worth noting Garnett and Person split first team reps in the second session of 11-on-11 work.
It is also interesting to see Magnuson get center work. He can play all five positions on the offensive line. There is some downside to being a jack of all trades, but master of none. At the same time, versatility is key in the NFL.
Jennifer Chan had a full rundown of the first and second string offensive lines.
Today’s #49ers training camp OL line up included Mike Person with the ones.
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) July 27, 2018
LT Staley
LG Tomlinson
C Richburg
RG Person
RT McGlinchey
Joshua Garnett was with the twos
LT Murphy
LG Flynn
C Magnuson
RG Garnett
RT Gilliam
Cooper was expected to compete with Joshua Garnett, but Cooper opened camp on the PUP list. He had surgery in January on a torn MCL, and while John Lynch said he has been cleared to practice, the team is taking their time working him back into football shape. Lynch thinks he’ll be back sooner rather than later once he has gone through more conditioning work.
In the meantime, Person is getting a big chance. He is likely the favorite to get a prime utility role, but the right guard position is up for grabs. My guess is Cooper ends up with the job, but the longer he is sidelined, the more opportunity for Garnett and Person.