The San Francisco 49ers are down another talented player.
Andre Dillard was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dillard was the No. 22 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles as a 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman out of Washington State.
The big tackle played in 43 games across three seasons with the Eagles, starting in nine.
Dillard then moved on to the Tennessee Titans for 2023. There, he played 16 games and started 10.
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Last season, Dillard suited up for the Breen Bay Packers. He played in 10 games but didn’t get a start.
The 49ers signed Dillard this offseason to provide depth across the line. According to Pro Football Talk, Dillard was hoped to be the 49ers’ swing tackle this season, meaning he could fill in at either outside spot as needed.
Dillard began training camp on the physically unable to perform list due to offseason ankle surgery.
He had been cleared to practice earlier this week, and it’s not clear whether his placement on IR is connected to the surgery or is for a different reason.
The 49ers also waived defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour.
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In the roster spots vacated by Dillard and Dwumfour, San Francisco signed two defensive linemen: William Bradly-King and Demone Harris.
It looks like the Dillard swing tackle role will have to be filled from within. Dillard’s absence will make it that much more important for the ‘Niners that the rest of their offensive line can stay healthy this season to try and rebound from a 6-11 record in 2024.
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