When the San Francisco 49ers step onto the field at Levi’s Stadium for their first game in 2026, it may take a little while for fans to recognize them beyond their uniforms.
Currently, stars like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Nick Bosa are among the 20-plus players dealing with various injuries. Brock Purdy won’t be donning his helmet for at least another week. For Purdy, like many healthy starters, the crucial moments against other teams mainly happened during a joint practice on Tuesday.
The most recognized figures during the preseason opener, scheduled for Thursday against the Tennessee Titans at 6 p.m., will be on the sidelines. This comes nearly a month after coach Kyle Shanahan’s Tesla was involved in a collision, leading to Robert Saleh’s return to the stadium where he once served as defensive coordinator.
Still, the action on the field promises to be intense, with players delivering hard hits and fans cheering loudly. Tailgating in the parking lot adds to the atmosphere, and we might get a glimpse of the identity the 49ers are shaping up to have for the regular season starting next month.
Here are five key points to observe during the 49ers’ first preseason game.
Play Time
This game will highlight rookies and backups, especially given the Niners’ injuries and aging roster. Even healthy players like Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw are unlikely to see much action.
The veterans, perhaps anticipating a less intense event on Thursday, brought a palpable energy to the joint practice, leading to several physical exchanges and even some ejections.
Warner spent a good chunk of time bantering with Titans QB Cam Ward. However, he’ll need to find someone else to go back and forth with come Thursday, as the Titans are likely to field their younger players. Shanahan indicated that only a few starters from San Francisco are expected to participate.
“That doesn’t mean there’s nothing of value,” he remarked. “But we have to strike that balance.”
Rookie Watch
This preseason presents a valuable chance for Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to evaluate the performance of the 15 rookies in camp against real competition.
De’Zhaun Stribling (2nd round, No. 33) took full advantage of Christian Kirk’s absence early on, showcasing his impressive size and grip. Romello Height (3rd round, 70th pick) demonstrated his speed off the edge, while Jaden Dugger (5th round, No. 154) has thrived in the new hybrid role at edge/linebacker.
Position Battle
One interesting position battle prominently features a first-year player, shedding light on an uncertain competition.
Left guard Connor Colby seems to be losing his grip on his spot, now taking on roles within both the second and third team offensive lines. Veteran Robert Jones is making the most of this opportunity, but Shanahan indicated that anyone could step up in this scenario.
Carver Willis (4th round, 127th pick), back from a concussion, will face challenges against Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons, who was an AP First Team All-Pro and registered 11 sacks last season.
In another camp storyline, San Francisco has waived undrafted free agent punter Jack Bouwmeester, making room for Corliss Weightman, who will likely replace the aging Thomas Morestead following last season. Weightman, who comes off two years with the Steelers, will get his first chance in a Niners uniform on Thursday.
Debut of New Defense
Raheem Morris has injected new energy into Saleh’s former defense, implementing varied looks and a five-man front. Warner described the cornerback group as the best he’s encountered in his nine-year career.
As the former defensive coordinator, Morris will be under scrutiny to see how well his revamped strategies perform in the preseason opener. Some players have even hinted at a positive reception regarding Saleh’s departure.
It’s a little awkward, really.
“In this league, when teams know how to exploit strategies, not all players are necessarily superior to their opponents. In those cases, you’ve got to adapt,” Shanahan explained. “We aim for flexibility. Raheem brings that experience, and while I don’t believe we’re entirely different now, I appreciate having that opportunity to change things up.”
Kyle Shanahan’s Recovery
Since the start of camp, Shanahan has gradually increased his involvement after suffering significant injuries in a serious car accident. Recently, he traded his white cast for a softer black brace on his left hand and played a hands-on role during the roughly two-hour joint practice.
Shanahan mentioned that the only lingering effects of his severe concussion are fatigue and some headaches, although he has his good days, too.
It’s tough to anticipate how he’ll react on the sidelines during his return on Thursday night. There’s a long way to go to figure out everything he still needs to prepare for the demanding travel ahead for the season opener next month.
“It was a chaotic time, but things have definitely improved,” he reflected.
