The 49ers will place Trenton Brown on injured reserve, coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Friday. The tackle will miss the team’s final three games. 
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With little to play for this season, it was the logical move for the Niners. The team views the right tackle as a cornerstone of the offensive line and it is expected that they will discuss an extension with him in the offseason. Brown’s current deal is slated to expire after the 2018 campaign.
Brown, 25 in April, ranks as Pro Football Focus’ No. 19 ranked tackle. His 84.7 pass block grade is eight amongst all players at his position, though his 50.3 run blocking score leaves something to be desired.
Left tackles earn more money than their counterparts on the right side, but we’ve seen some right tackles cash in with big contracts in recent years. Eagles veteran Lane Johnson leads all RTs with a deal averaging $11.25MM per year. This past offseason, Ricky Wagner pushed the market with his five-year, $47.5MM free agent deal in Detroit.
Definitely sucks to lose him the last few games but smart to think about his future. Nothing really to play for anyways. Need this guy next year. Hope we can get some help on the line next year also so Jimmy G doesn’t get killed next season.