Tackle depth hurt by Coleman injury

The 49ers’ starting offensive tackles are durable.

And it’s now particularly important that Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey stay that way.

On Sunday, the 49ers announced that tackle Shon Coleman, their primary backup at the position, had surgery after he sustained a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in a preseason win over the Cowboys on Saturday. The 49ers are expected to place Coleman on seasonending injured reserve Monday and also bring in tackles for tryouts.

The encouraging news for the 49ers: Staley has played in 124 of 128 games since the 2011 season began, and McGlinchey has not missed a game at any level.

The discouraging news: They don’t have compelling Plan B options with Coleman headed for injured reserve.

Their options on their roster are headlined by sixthround rookie Justin Skule and Willie Beavers, a 2016 fourthround pick of the Vikings who was claimed off waivers from the Bears in May.

Coleman, a 2016 thirdround pick, was acquired from the Browns last year for a 2019 seventhround pick. The 49ers dealt for Coleman in September when Garry Gilliam, their top swing tackle, was in his third week in the concussion protocol. Gilliam, 28, who was cleared before last year’s season opener, was released in February after spending two seasons with the team. He remains a free agent.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Sunday that Gilliam was on the team’s radar, but Shanahan didn’t say whether the fiveyear veteran would be one of the players brought in for tryouts.

“There are a number of guys out there,” Shanahan said. “I know (the front office) is putting together a list. … I think we’ll make a decision on that tomorrow.” More injuries: Linebacker Elijah Lee, who is fighting for a roster spot, had thumb surgery after he was injured in the preseason opener and will be sidelined for two weeks, Shanahan said.

In addition, nose tackle D.J. Jones, who is competing for a starting spot, sustained a knee sprain and is weektoweek.

Shanahan said free safety Jimmie Ward will have Xrays this week to determine if he can begin practicing after breaking his collarbone in May. The goal at the start of training camp was for Ward to be able to participate in joint practices with the Broncos in Denver on Friday and Saturday.