The San Francisco 49ers‘ injury concerns up front continued on Sunday during the team’s Week 14 date against the Chicago Bears (4-8).
Thrust into a starting role, left guard Ben Bartch exited San Francisco’s contest on Sunday midway through the first quarter with an ankle injury.
After initially being listed as questionable to return, Bartch was officially ruled out by the 49ers. Bartch stepped in for left guard Aaron Banks who remained sidelined with a concussion.
#CHIvsSF @DignityHealth injury update: Ben Bartch (ankle) is OUT.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 8, 2024
Bartch was replaced by Spencer Burford. The third-year pro served as the 49ers’ starting right guard over each of the past two seasons.
In addition to Banks and Bartch being sidelined, longtime star left tackle Trent Williams missed his third straight game with a left ankle injury of his own.
Minus its two starting cogs on the left side of its offensive line and its starting left guard today, the San Francisco 49ers still managed to put together an explosive first half against the Bears.
San Francisco (5-7) racked up 319 yards of total offense, 254 passing yards, 14 first downs and averaged 8.6 yards per play in the first half against the Bears.
The 49ers led 24-0 at halftime and are seeking to snap a current three-game losing streak.
