49ers News: Rookie Dominick Puni Secures Starting Right Guard Role

The San Francisco 49ers have named rookie Dominick Puni as their starting right guard for the upcoming season.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch announced the decision, highlighting Puni's impressive performance during training camp.

Puni, who played primarily as a tackle in college, stepped up when starter Spencer Burford suffered a broken hand, sidelining him for most of the training camp.

Additionally, Jon Feliciano's knee injury opened the door for Puni to take first-team reps, and he has made the most of the opportunity.

His consistent play has drawn attention from teammates, particularly in preseason games from George Kittle.

His early returns have caught the eye of star tight end George Kittle, who praised the right guard on 95.7 The Game earlier today.

“Puni has done everything you could have wanted him to do and more as a rookie,” Kittle said. Anyone that comes in as a rookie, it’s hard to succeed right away, especially when you’re just thrusted into the starting role because a couple of guys got hurt in front of you.”

“The great thing about getting your name called, your number is called and there is an opportunity, and what are you going to do? All he’s done is taken advantage of it.

"He’s played really well against the Titans and then he comes out and plays really well against the Saints. Then you see him at practice and he’s very consistent all the time. He goes the right direction every single time, and he understands the calls.”

Puni's ability to adapt quickly and effectively has solidified his role on the offensive line.

While Burford's injury is unfortunate, Puni's emergence is a positive development for the 49ers.

With Puni set to start, the team's offensive line appears to be taking shape, although they are still monitoring the status of Trent Williams and Aaron Banks, who is recovering from a finger injury.