49ers’ Burford breaks hand, could turn Puni into rookie starter

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19), tight end Ross Dwelley (82), offensive tackle Colton McKivitz (68), offensive tackle Spencer Burford (74) and quarterback Brock Purdy, right, during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

SANTA CLARA — Rookie Dominick Puni could quickly earn a starting spot on the Super Bowl-bound 49ers’ offensive line.

Regardless of his potential, Puni played both Friday and Saturday at right guard in the first division as injuries sidelined his biggest competitors, Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford.

Burford may require surgery on a broken right hand after playing in all of the first-team games during two practices to avenge his Super Bowl blunder.

Feliciano, who replaced Burford as the starting right guard midway through last season, is believed to be dealing with a knee injury ahead of his 10th NFL season.

That opens the door for Puni. That doesn’t faze the 49ers, who may need his versatile services at right guard in Week 1 or elsewhere on the line later in his rookie season.

“He’s done a really good job,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We haven’t had any pads yet, which is always a challenge for guys in protection. He’s stepped in, gotten more reps and I’m excited for him.”

The 49ers will step into pads for camp for the first time on Monday after Sunday’s off day, and that’s honestly when the evaluation begins for such high-contact spots under linemen. The pass protection hasn’t been ideal thus far, as expected behind a patchwork unit.

The four practice squads missing from the opening of camp were tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, both of whom are embroiled in contract disputes. While Williams is being fined $50,000 per day as a holdout, Aiyuk has been attending meetings and participating in everything except practices, and he stoically watched Saturday’s warmups from a cart near the weight room.

If Williams and Aiyuk can get their act together, the 49ers’ prolific offense will return intact from last season’s NFC-winning performance, led by Brock Purdy’s franchise-record passing total (4,280 yards) and Christian McCaffrey’s NFL-leading rushing output.

The offense could improve now that Puni, a third-round pick from Kansas, has been added in the NFL Draft. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, a first-round pick, is also expected to make his training camp debut Monday if his hamstring injury allows it.

When Puni reported to rookie camp in May, he spoke like a true lineman: “Physical, hard-nose football, running the ball — that’s what I like to do.” He also knew who he’d be protecting: “I love Brock Purdy. The fact that he was the last pick, that’s a fairy tale.”

Puni has made a positive first impression by adjusting to the NFL and a complex schedule. He attended the University of Central Missouri three summers ago before transferring to Kansas and finishing his college career as a sack-denying offensive tackle.

Chris Foerster, the 49ers’ offensive line coach and run-game coordinator, called Puni a “special guy” and praised his strong frame (6-foot-5, 313 pounds) and intelligence as he learns not only a new scheme but also a new position. He played left tackle, left guard and right tackle in college.

“Even if Puni is the best player, is he the man?” Foerster asked rhetorically Friday. “Do you want him there for the opening game, Monday Night Football against the Jets? If he’s the best player, you want him, but those are bright lights.”

Two years ago, Burford started the 49ers’ season opener in Chicago, and he remained the starter until last season, when Feliciano took over during the midseason bye. Foerster was reluctant to call it an open competition, instead calling it a “fluid situation.”

“Everybody in the room can play. That’s why they’re here,” center Jake Brendel said. “The coaching staff wants the best players, and so do we. We definitely see a lot of players at right guard with injuries. One thing’s for sure, Foerster is going to have the best guy for us.”

Burford took part in the warm-up in his position and then moved on to individual conditioning training on a sideline during an 11-on-11 action.