Ranking the 49ers' concerns on offense heading into Week 1

The San Francisco 49ers resolved their contract situation with Brandon Aiyuk on Thursday, but until they solve the issue with left tackle Trent Williams, their offense will be in a state of flux.

Besides the remaining holdout, San Francisco is dealing with injury issues heading into its Week 1 game at home against the New York Jets.

On the cusp of the regular season, here are the team's offensive concerns, ranked.

1. Pass protection for QB Brock Purdy

With 11-time Pro Bowler Williams holding out, the O-line's pass protection is the biggest concern.

Entering the season, Pro Football Focus ranked San Francisco's line 24th best in the NFL with Williams. (In 2023, PFF ranked San Francisco top-12 in run blocking but just 24th in pass protection.)

If he doesn't play against the Jets, San Francisco has major concerns.

Rookie right guard Dominick Puni, a third-round pick, impressed the coaching staff enough in the preseason to consider him for a starting gig, but he won't be enough to shore up the entire scheme.

2. Deebo Samuel

Samuel — who had 892 yards receiving, 225 yards rushing and 12 total TDs last season — is a hugely important part of this offense, but his hard-charging playing style means he's likely to miss games due to injury.

When he was fully healthy and played in 2023 (including postseason), the 49ers went 13-2, losing only to Baltimore in Week 16 and Kansas City in the Super Bowl.

In Samuel's absence, Jauan Jennings replaced him, but he can't replicate the non-traditional physicality and elusiveness that Samuel adds to the offense.

3. Traditional wide receivers

San Francisco finally locked in an extension with Aiyuk, ensuring their wide receiver unit remains one of its bigger strengths.

Aside from Aiyuk, the 49ers receiver room saw more improvements than the offensive line. San Francisco drafted Ricky Pearsall in the first round and Jacob Cowing in the fourth, and both may see opportunities if Aiyuk or Jennings misses time.

Cowing showed explosiveness in the preseason, but Pearsall spent much of that time on the sidelines with an array of injuries. The rookies join veterans Jennings and Chris Conley, who played important depth roles for San Francisco in last year's postseason.

4. Running backs

Christian McCaffrey silenced any concerns with his injury history by posting an MVP-caliber 2023 campaign, playing the second-highest snap rate at running back and leading the NFL in total touchdowns (21) and yards from scrimmage (2,023).

The team put veteran backup Elijah Mitchell on injured reserve for the season, but Isaac Guerendo and Jordan Mason are capable backups.

This area is the least concerning for the 49ers, especially because of the strength of the offensive line's strong run-blocking.