49ers starting OL has surgery on broken pinkie finger

The San Francisco 49ers can’t manage to get through a week of practice without a new injury cropping up.

Starting left guard Aaron Banks was absent from Friday’s session. Head coach Kyle Shanahan after practice said Banks suffered a broken pinkie finger that required surgery.

Banks was out of Friday’s practice, but Shanahan told reporters he’s optimistic about Banks’ chances of returning for the season opener.

This will be something worth keeping a close eye on as the preseason winds down. Last season when Banks was out, veteran Jon Feliciano filled in at that spot. Feliciano is dealing with an injury though, as is Spencer Burford. They’d likely be the top two options to plug in if Banks is out, but neither are healthy enough to get into practice.

That left third-year offensive lineman Nick Zakelj to fill in at left guard with the first team on Friday. Zakelj started the 49ers’ preseason opener at center as he continues his transition from college offensive tackle to NFL interior lineman.

It bodes well for his chances of making the 53-man roster that he’s able to competently fill in at both center and left guard. That kind of versatility is what the 49ers have valued in their reserve offensive linemen.

While Zakelj was able to flash some versatility, all eyes should be on Banks and whether he’ll be able to suit up for the season opener against an excellent New York Jets defense.