49ers Place Andre Dillard on IR—Depth Chart Shakeup Explained

By Jason Bolton August 17, 2025 07:12

The San Francisco 49ers made a significant roster update this week, placing offensive tackle Andre Dillard on season-ending injured reserve (IR), a move that shakes up the team’s depth chart and raises new questions about their offensive line stability heading into the 2025 NFL season.

Dillard, a former first-round pick (22nd overall by Philadelphia in 2019) and a promising free agent signing this offseason, had joined the 49ers on a one-year, $1.17 million contract expected to bolster their tackle depth behind starters Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz. However, lingering issues following offseason ankle surgery kept Dillard initially on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Despite being activated earlier this month, his ankle failed to respond favorably during practice, forcing the 49ers to place him on IR and ending any hope of him contributing this season.

This development is particularly harsh given the 49ers' offensive line challenges last season. San Francisco struggled significantly when Williams missed time; the team went 5-5 with him on the field but stumbled to a 1-6 record without, highlighting the dire importance of stability at left tackle. Dillard was seen as a swing tackle capable of giving the 49ers flexibility to cover multiple positions, making his loss an even more poignant blow.

Head coach Trent Baalke voiced concerns over the depth implications: “Andre was a key piece to our depth but health dictates availability, and unfortunately, he won’t be on the field. We’ll rely heavily on Spencer Burford, Isaac Alarcon, Austen Pleasants, and Isaiah Prince now. Each has their strengths, but this puts more pressure on those guys to step up."

Spencer Burford, in particular, is now thrust into the spotlight. While primarily a right guard backup with 31 snaps at left tackle in his NFL career, the 49ers are leaning on him to fill the void, though many fans and analysts have expressed frustration over his inconsistencies when pressed into tackle duties. Austen Pleasants and Alarcon similarly have limited regular-season experience, making this a challenging situation for San Francisco to navigate early in the season.

General Manager John Lynch acknowledged the uphill battle ahead. “Losing Andre for the season is disappointing. We understood it was a calculated risk in signing him due to his injury history. But the health of our offensive line is paramount, and we must adapt. We remain confident in our group’s ability to compete and protect the quarterback,” Lynch said.

In response to these roster fluctuations, the 49ers moved quickly, signing defensive linemen William Bradley-King and Demone Harris while waiving defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour to manage roster spots. These moves keep the defense stocked, but on offense, the focus remains on maximizing protection schemes and scheming advantages for an offensive line reshaped unexpectedly.

Statistically, the impact of the 49ers’ offensive line health cannot be overstated. Last season, the team allowed 30 sacks the majority occurring during Williams’ absence. Maintaining a healthy and effective line is crucial not only for protecting quarterback Brock Purdy but also for facilitating the run game, a cornerstone of San Francisco’s offense.

As training camp continues, all eyes will be on Burford and the backups whose performances during preseason games might determine the team’s immediate fortunes. “We need these players to rise to the challenge,” Baalke added. “They have a chance to prove they belong on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.”

Placing Andre Dillard on IR is a setback for the 49ers, exposing a fragile depth situation at offensive tackle that will test their resilience and coaching acumen. While it starkly challenges San Francisco’s roster depth, it also signals opportunity for younger players to step up and redefine their careers in perhaps the most critical year for the 49ers’ championship hopes.