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Aaron Banks may have played his last game with the 49ers.

He exited Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins with an MCL injury and didn’t return. The team will get more clarity on his condition after today’s MRI, but it’s likely he’ll miss the final two games of the season. With free agency looming, Banks seems poised to test the market and is expected to sign elsewhere.

The 49ers have several high-priority players to re-sign this offseason, including Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward. They may also consider a long-term extension for Brock Purdy, which leaves little room to retain everyone. Banks appears to be one of the odd men out.

Drafted in the second round of 2021, Banks spent his rookie year on the bench before becoming a starter in his second season. While he has held the starting role since then, he hasn’t fully lived up to the expectations that came with his draft selection.

Recent injuries have further complicated his situation. Banks missed two games with a concussion, during which Ben Bartch stepped in and performed better. When Bartch was unavailable, Spencer Burford filled in and also outplayed Banks. This depth suggests the 49ers won’t struggle to find a replacement next year.

The team could target a guard early in the draft, as they did this year when selecting Dominick Puni in the third round. Puni has been a standout at right guard, and the 49ers will likely aim for similar success in the next draft.