Why the 49ers are Enamored With Ben Bartch Starting

Despite how risky it is, the 49ers believe Ben Bartch is an excellent fit for their starting offensive line. Here is why.

Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Ben Bartch (78) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

One departed free agent from the San Francisco 49ers who was the easiest stomach was Aaron Banks.

Typically, it is rough to have a multi-year starter leave. However, Banks had a mediocre 2024 season and ended it injured. He was also expensive.

The Green Bay Packers signed Banks to a $77 million contract. The 49ers were never coming close to giving him that, so it’s easy to let him walk after seeing that.

But the 49ers also had Banks’ replacement on the roster. His replacement is none other than Ben Bartch. On Sunday, offensive line coach Chris Foerster said the starting left guard spot is Bartch’s to lose.

Bartch impressed the 49ers in his lone start last year in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish out the year due to an ankle injury.

Despite that, the 49ers became enamored with Bartch after just one start. They are placing all of their chips on Bartch at left guard, and it’s because of how well he fits.

Why the 49ers are enamored with Bartch

Jun 10, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive linemen Trent Williams (71), Nick Zakelj (63) and Ben Bartch (78) participate in a drill during an OTA at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

“Ben Bartch is one of the salt of the earth, great guys,” said right tackle Colton McKivitz. “I spent a lot of time with him in the offseason hunting, fishing, doing whatever together. He’s a great teammate and obviously football (player). That’s what we’re here for. 

“You saw it in Buffalo last year, the start of the Bears game last year, before he got hurt, had the ankle injury. He’s got a lot of starts under his belt in Jacksonville, so I think he can step in. Coach (Chris Foerster) said it’s his job to lose, so he’s playing confidently, he’s back, he’s rolling, athletically gifted. Ben’s a great human, and I think he’s going to take it and run with this job.”

Sustaining an injury isn’t new to Bartch. He barely made his debut at 49ers camp recently after injuring his quad during a workout. 

Bartch has a concerning history of injuries over the last three years. Towards the end of his Jaguars tenure in 2022, he dislocated his knee and suffered ligament damage.

That injury essentially did him in with the Jaguars, as they would replace and relegate him to their practice squad. That allowed the 49ers to swoop him.

He started 2024 with knee irritation before finally becoming fully fit to start in Week 14. It’s tough to argue against Bartch being an injury-prone player.

That is the risk the 49ers are taking with giving Bartch the starting job. The bright side is that the guard position isn’t too difficult to plug and play someone there.

Bartch is a perfect example of it. Should he miss time due to injury, the 49ers have Nick Zakelj or rookie Conner Colby to fill in.

The 49ers just need those two to be at a sufficient level, and they should be able to function well on offense. But again, it’s a risk the 49ers are taking.

The contingencies in place are a rookie and a player who they can’t find a comfortable spot for. Buckle up for what is to come on the 49ers’ offensive line in 2025.

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