Tim Barnes came off the farm literally to try to rescue the 49ers’ battered offensive line. The Missouri native said he was working on the family farm, working out and mending fences when the 49ers called him back to the team.
Barnes played the last four years in St. Louis for the Rams in his home state. The 49ers signed him as a veteran to compete for a spot on their refashioned offensive line. Barnes actually didn’t make the team, but when the 49ers placed rookie free agent Eric Magnuson on injured reserve, Barnes was re-signed.
Coach Kyle Shanahan also wasn’t sure if right tackle Trent Brown will be recovered enough from his shoulder injury to make the start this Sunday in Chicago. If not, it’s possible one the guards could kick out to tackle and Barnes could handle the guard or center spot.
“You try to dress seven guys on gameday and you need a starting tackle and a backup tackle and you need a backup center. We know Barnes can do that,” Shanahan said. If Daniel Kilgore got hurt, the 49ers might be stuck. Magnuson was not only a tackle, but he also took snaps at center.
Barnes was keeping himself busy tending to cattle, hanging out with his family and young kids, while waiting for the phone to call.
“Anything I could do to not be sitting still. I tried to be out doors as much as I could,” Barnes said. He said tending to his chores can keep anyone in shape.
“It depends on what you do,” Barnes said. “If you’re moving stuff and putting (new fences) up. Taking stuff down (it can keep you in shape). I enjoy it, not everyone would.”