The 49ers plan to release guard Joshua Garnett, a first-round draft pick in 2016, a league source told NBC Sports Bay Area.
Garnett started 11 games as a rookie and did not make another start during his time with the 49ers. He spent 2017 on injured reserve with a knee injury. Garnett appeared in seven games last season after sustaining a dislocated toe in the season opener.
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Garnett was battling for a spot on the 49ers’ 53-man roster at the beginning of training camp, but sustained a dislocated finger on his right hand. After sitting out the first three preseason games, Garnett played 55 snaps in the team’s final exhibition game on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.
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As a senior at Stanford in 2015, Garnett was the winner of the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top offensive lineman. Then-49ers general manager Trent Baalke traded up to select Garnett with the No. 28 overall selection.
The top players on the 49ers’ offensive line appears set with tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey, guards Laken Tomlinson and Mike Person, and center Weston Richburg. Veteran Ben Garland is the team’s top backup along the interior line.