SANTA CLARA — Four snaps into the 49ers offense’s exhibition debut and they lost projected swing tackle Shon Coleman to a serious ankle injury.
Coleman started at left tackle in place of Joe Staley, who was among nearly 30 key players who did not suit up for Saturday night’s exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Coleman was inactive every game last season after getting traded from the Cleveland Browns, but he’s looked like the 49ers’ best option through training camp to back up Staley and right tackle Mike McGlinchey.
Rookie Justin Skule, who started Saturday at right tackle, is poised to serve as the 49ers’ swing tackle in Coleman’s place going forward.