SANTA CLARA – The 49ers on Sunday released veteran offensive lineman Erik Pears, leaving the team with no obvious choice to serve as the swing tackle during the regular season.
Typically, teams suit up only two backup offensive linemen among the 46 players who are allowed to be active for regular-season games. It’s common for one player to handle the backup duties at center and the guard positions, while another player is responsible to serve as the fill-in at the tackle spots.
Anthony Davis appears likely to open the season as the starting right guard, moving from right tackle, where he started 71 games in five season before stepping away from the NFL last year.