SANTA CLARA -- Offensive line coach Pat Flaherty says he has eight linemen he thinks are capable starting in Week 1 but only one of them is locked in place: Left tackle Joe Staley.
The other four spots remain fluid.
"Nothing's handed to anybody, really," Flaherty, 59, said. "Joe'd probably be the only one. But Joe's earned it over the years. I mean, this is his 10th year, and he's played a high level of football for the 49ers."
The offensive line was San Francisco's most beleaguered unit last season, surrendering 53 sacks and leading the way for only seven rushing touchdowns.