49ers don’t rule out Brandon Aiyuk; Giants nix Saquon Barkley, two linemen
SANTA CLARA — Saquon Barkley is not the only New York Giants starter not suiting up for the 49ers home opener Thursday.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) and left guard Ben Bredeson (concussion) were also ruled out by the Giants on Wednesday, along with outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari.
The 49ers (2-0) did not rule anyone out and instead listed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) and cornerback Ambry Thomas (knee) as questionable.
Barkley played a key role in the Giants’ 31-28 comeback win over the host Arizona Cardinals before leaving late with a sprained ankle. Former 49ers running back Matt Breida (2017-19) could be in line to replace Barkley, with Gary Brightwell and rookie Eric Gray other options.
Who starts on the Giants’ left side of the offensive line? Joshua Ezeudu is expected to start a second straight game in place of Thomas; Mark Glowinski figures to start at left guard, though Scott Lemieux is the other interior reserve. Opposing them will be a 49ers defensive front headlined by Nick Bosa, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year who is seeking his first sack of the season. Drake Jackson had three sacks in the 49ers’ opening win at Pittsburgh.