Klay Kubiak discusses the 49ers left guard competition and who will play

San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak addressed the media, where he spoke about what's going on at left guard. Kubiak acknowledged the "very difficult challenge" it takes to prepare for Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, but said the players on the other side of the ball won't determine which player plays: "I don't think so. I think you play who you feel most comfortable with. I think I said this a few weeks ago, though; it's like, when you look at guard, there's never any reason why guys can't rotate as well. I mean, multiple guys can play in the game, and we'll see how the game goes with who we start and kind of how we want to do the rotation. But you've got to get a feel for how the game's going and how guys are handling stuff. So, nothing's settled, nothing's determined right now. It's not going to be based on experience necessarily. We're going to go with who we think should start based on who's had the best camp and kind of where they're at, and see how the game goes." Kubiak said he didn't know if the 49ers would rotate players during the game, saying, "We're going to have multiple guys up and multiple guys ready to go. So, whether they rotate or not, that'll be determined as the game goes." The options include Carver Willis, Connor Colby, and maybe Jarrett Patterson. Realistically, Patterson is Jake Brendel's backup, and Colby rotates if Willis looks like he's being overwhelmed. It's not an easy situation if you're the 49ers. Whether it's Willis or Colby, they're both inexperienced and need to learn on the fly. When you haven't played, mistakes are inevitable. The team can help Willis out by sliding protections a specific way or putting more on Brendel's plate, so Willis is the lineman who is free in obvious passing situations. But there's only so much you can do to hide your left guard. For the most part, he's going to have to play and hold his own in 1-on-1 situations. Willis and Colby are above-average athletes. Any perceived struggles won't happen when they're on the move. Where they might find themselves in trouble his holding up against power or length. We'll find out in a little more than 48 hours if Willis is up to the task or if the Niners are content with playing musical chairs at left guard once again.