Chilo

Rachal

This is his second straight week starting over Chilo Rachal, and he profiles as a better pass blocker than run blocker. After a successful week in Philly the Niners coaching staff isn’t looking to change things up.

Rachal could make for an interesting addition in St. Louis, where the Rams have a vacancy at left guard. Although he lost his job due to poor play early last season, Rachal was Pro Football Focus’ top run-blocking guard in 2010. He started 38 games in four seasons with the 49ers.

The 2008 second-rounder is a worthwhile reclamation project. Rachal lost his starting job early last season after emerging as a quality run blocker in 2010. He should give veteran RG Chris Spencer a run for the starting job in Chicago.

After a standout 2010 season, Rachal lost his starting job early under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh and watched Adam Snyder play right guard the rest of the way. Still only 26 and the former 39th pick in the draft, Rachal may draw interest from the linemen-needy Redskins. Rachal should come cheap, and Washington OL coach Chris Foerster was Rachal’s position coach in 2009-2010.

“I’m in real good shape,” Rachal said. “I feel explosive. I can move good.” With size and athleticism well-suited to pull in OC Mike Tice’s rushing attack, Rachal is going to give LG Chris Spencer a run for the starting job this summer.

Left tackle J’Marcus Webb took the heat from Jay Cutler last Thursday night, but Spencer ends up taking the fall. Cutler was sacked seven times and was harassed into four interceptions. Rachal showed significant upside with the Niners in 2010 before losing his job to Adam Snyder in 2011.

G/T James Brown has been promoted from the practice squad in a corresponding roster move. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Rachal has left the team for “personal reasons.” It’s unclear when, or if, he’ll be back. An eight-game starter this season, Rachal got absolutely toasted in Monday night’s embarrassing loss, and has graded out as the fifth-worst guard in the league by Pro Football Focus. It’s unclear who will step in at left guard, but it’s unlikely to be Brown. Chris Spencer is the most likely candidate.

It’s a foolish decision that will cost Rachal game checks, and likely punch his ticket out of town. Rachal has been ineffective all season, but got dismantled in Monday night’s loss to San Francisco. Chris Spencer is hardly an upgrade, but he shouldn’t be a demonstrable downgrade. A head-case throughout his five-year career, Rachal could be running out of chances.

That didn’t take long. However, according to the Chicago Tribune’s Vaughn McClure, Rachal’s emotional state remains “very bad.” Although Rachal is indeed back with the team, it’s unknown when/if he’ll be reinstated. He had five days to return after being placed on the list Wednesday. Chris Spencer will be at left guard against the Vikings, and for the foreseeable future.

The move ends Rachal’s season, and likely his career in Chicago. Rachal is only 26, but was beaten like a drum before his benching, and has certainly raised more questions about his character by leaving the team on Wednesday. He’s unlikely to get any guaranteed money this offseason.