49ers begin training camp with Shanahan in limited role, injury updates
Shanahan’s Limited Return to Training Camp
The San Francisco 49ers officially opened their training camp, marking the beginning of their six-week preparation for the regular season. President of football operations and general manager John Lynch provided updates on the team’s status. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was involved in a car accident last week, will participate in team activities on a limited basis as he recovers from non-life-threatening injuries, including a concussion. He was present at the first training camp practice.
Lynch stated that Shanahan will follow concussion protocols similar to a player, with medical staff determining his full return. While Shanahan’s injuries are improving, his concussion will be the primary factor in his return timeline. The team does not anticipate Shanahan missing the start of the regular season, including the 49ers’ Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
During Shanahan’s recovery, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster will assume head coaching duties. Lynch emphasized that the responsibility will be a collective effort, involving defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, and veteran players. Kubiak will handle practice play-calling and is expected to call preseason games, a role he has held in past preseason contests.
Player Injury and Roster Updates
Four players will begin training camp on the Active/PUP list: tight end George Kittle (Achilles), running back Isaac Guerendo (pectoral), and defensive linemen Mykel Williams (ACL) and Alfred Collins (shoulder). Lynch noted that Kittle has been working to be ready for Week 1, but his availability for the season opener in Australia will depend on his recovery, medical evaluations, and the demands of international travel. Williams is also making efforts for Week 1, while Collins is expected to return around the second window of training camp.
In positive news, veterans Nick Bosa (ACL) and Fred Warner (ankle) have been cleared to start training camp. Bosa, who tore his ACL in Week 3 last season, will not open camp on the PUP list, though the team plans a gradual reintroduction to practice. He was seen working out in full uniform at practice. Warner, who also sustained a season-ending injury last year, was a full participant in practice.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains on the team’s Left Squad list and is not counted toward the 90-man roster. The team released defensive lineman Evan Anderson and waived tight end Khalil Dinkins with a non-football injury designation. Tight end Tanner McLachlan, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals last season, was added to the roster.
Preparations for the 2026 Season
The 49ers have been preparing for a season that includes two international games: the Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Australia and a Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City. The organization has consulted various experts, including rugby clubs and sleep specialists, to develop its travel plan for a season that leads the league in air miles.
To optimize player health and performance, the 49ers have made adjustments to this year’s training camp. This includes an investment of approximately $9 million into a new hydro recovery area and an expansion of their health and performance staff. The team’s front office has also focused on improving the defensive line, which Lynch stated was not sufficient last year.
At the first training camp practice, quarterback Brock Purdy connected with receiver Mike Evans on a 40-yard pass. Later, safety Malik Mustapha broke up a deep pass intended for receiver Ricky Pearsall. Running back Christian McCaffrey, a 10th-year veteran, was heavily featured in practice, taking a handoff on the first play and later catching a pass. Rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers’ top pick in the 2026 draft, made two catches during practice.
The 49ers will continue their training camp preparations ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Source: 49ers.com
