What happened: Shanahan expressed hope that Austen Pleasants avoided a severe knee injury. Robert Jones is dealing with an undisclosed injury as the left guard competition approaches its final evaluation.
Why it matters: Jones topped the 49ers’ unofficial depth chart at left guard on Aug. 17. Pleasants entered the competition Thursday, giving Shanahan four candidates without a clear winner.
By the numbers: Jones has 30 career starts and returned this preseason after 585 days without a game appearance.
What to watch: Pleasants’ evaluation and the practice rotation will shape the remaining competition. Jones is expected to miss next week’s preseason finale in Las Vegas.