The San Francisco 49ers will be forced to reshuffle their offensive front for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Monday that left guard Ben Bartch has suffered a significant foot sprain—believed to be a Lisfranc injury—that will require surgery and end his season.

The injury occurred during the third quarter of San Francisco’s 26-8 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. While the team heads into a well-timed bye week with a 9-4 record, the loss of Bartch tests the depth of a unit that has been crucial to the team’s offensive success.

Ben Bartch Faces Surgery and Long Recovery

According to reports from the team facility, Ben Bartch sustained the injury during standard play in the second half. While initial X-rays were taken at the stadium, subsequent testing on Monday confirmed the severity of the sprain.

Shanahan addressed the media regarding the timeline, stating he does not expect the offensive lineman to return in time for the postseason. This diagnosis marks a frustrating end to a turbulent year for the former fourth-round pick. Bartch had already missed time earlier in the 2025 season due to a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 2 against New Orleans, making this his second—and final—trip to Injured Reserve this year.

Bartch, who spent the first three years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining San Francisco during the 2023 campaign, had been a vital piece of the interior rotation. He started the season as the primary left guard and had worked his way back into the lineup following his previous ankle issue.

Spencer Burford Takes Over as Full-Time Starter

The immediate question for the 49ers offense is how they fill the void at left guard. The answer, according to Shanahan, is Spencer Burford.

Burford is no stranger to the lineup. He stepped in immediately after Bartch went down against the Browns, playing 21 snaps to close out the victory. More importantly, the 49ers had already employed a rotational strategy at the position throughout the season. The coaching staff had been alternating series between Ben Bartch and Burford, meaning Burford has already logged significant reps alongside left tackle Trent Williams and center Jake Brendel.

Shanahan expressed confidence in Burford’s ability to handle the full-time role moving forward.

“I think each week he’s gotten better and better,” Shanahan said regarding Burford’s development. “It’s his first time playing on the left side, and I think he’s playing at a very good level, and I think he’ll only improve as the year goes on.”

While Burford has starting experience, the loss of Ben Bartch eliminates the “hot hand” approach the 49ers were utilizing. The team loses the ability to keep linemen fresh through rotation, and the pressure is now squarely on Burford to maintain consistency for four quarters.

The Benefit of the Bye Week

If there is a silver lining for San Francisco, it is the timing. The 49ers are entering their bye week, giving the coaching staff two full weeks to adjust the offensive game plan to suit Burford’s specific skill set before they face the Tennessee Titans on December 14 at Levi’s Stadium.

This break allows Burford to take all first-team reps in practice without splitting time with Ben Bartch, potentially helping him settle into a rhythm. It also provides a recovery window for other banged-up players like kicker Eddy Piñeiro and defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, who are eyeing returns post-bye.

For Ben Bartch, the focus shifts to rehab and 2026. For the 49ers, the focus remains on securing the NFC West, but they will have to do it with a thinner margin for error in the trenches.