Why Shanahan is confident Moore can step up in Williams’ absence

Why Shanahan is confident Moore can step up in Williams’ absence originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

After suffering an ankle injury during the 49ers’ Week 6 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Trent Williams officially is listed as “Doubtful” for San Francisco’s Monday night clash in Minnesota.

During a press conference on Saturday, Kyle Shanahan provided assurance that Jaylon Moore would step up at left tackle if Williams is unable to play.

“Jaylon gets a lot of practice with us,” Shanahan said. “Trent never really practices on Wednesdays. Jaylon takes all the reps on those days. He has prepared well and is ready for this opportunity.”

Shanahan expressed confidence in Moore’s ability to fill in for Williams and confirmed that it appears to be the plan for now.

“If he has to step up, which seems likely at this point, he will be prepared,” Shanahan stated. “He has had a solid week of practice.”

Moore, a fifth-round draft pick by the 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft, has started five games in his NFL career, including two starts at left tackle this season.

So far, Moore has allowed three sacks, five quarterback hits, and has a pressure rate of 8.4 percent in 154 pass-blocking snaps.

If Moore starts in place of Williams, he will face a tough challenge in Minnesota, going up against Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, who currently leads the NFL with eight sacks this season.

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