When looking at the San Francisco 49ers' offensive line depth chart heading into training camp, reserve lineman Sebastian Gutierrez isn't exactly a name that pops up when weighing the serious contenders to make the 53-man roster in Week 1.
In all likelihood, the 2022 undrafted free-agent pickup of the Denver Broncos out of Minot State University finds himself hoping for, at best, a spot on the Niners' practice squad after final roster cuts are announced later this summer.
Signed to a reserve/future contract last January, the 6-foot-6 and 308-pound Gutierrez did manage to squeeze into a regular-season game with San Francisco late last season, recording a whopping three snaps on offense and another five on special teams during that one particular bout.
Of course, serious injury attrition to the 49ers O-line during the latter half of 2024 opened up the door for Gutierrez to pop up from the practice squad even if it didn't exactly translate over into serious field time.
However, that might highlight the lone way for Gutierrez to see meaningful snaps again in 2025.
Injuries are the lone route for Sebastian Gutierrez to make 49ers' 53-man roster
Aside from a potential competition at left guard between the likes of Ben Bartch, Matt Hennessey, Connor Colby and Spencer Burford, the Niners are all but set with their O-line starters heading into camp. There's a battle for primary reserve, including at swing tackle, but Gutierrez isn't even in the realm of those vying for immediate backup duties.
That said, San Francisco liked Gutierrez enough to sign him to its practice squad in December of 2023, and he's remained with the team ever since in one capacity or another.
This bodes well for his chances, at least with the B-team reserves, and it opens the door for a weekly call-up from the practice squad, should injuries again befall the O-line.
The 49ers aren't likely to give the bulk of their starters snaps this preseason, yet Gutierrez could ascend the depth chart if a number of other reserves suffer setbacks during camp or in exhibition games.
That's about the only way the 27-year-old veteran's stock would rise, and it's also assuming the Niners wouldn't respond to such injuries with corresponding additions and signings.
Still, it's a role Gutierrez held before, and it's likely one he'll hold again between now and Week 1, then into the regular season itself, should he find himself back on the practice squad once more.
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