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49ers | Jordan James eyeing backup role Mon Jul 27, 12:36 AM
San Francisco 49ers RB Jordan James appears to be 'next up' behind RB Christian McCaffrey, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: Rookie Kaelon Black and Patrick Taylor Jr. are also in the mix. And while NBCSports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan told us last week that she expects Black to move ahead of James this summer, Wagoner's reporting makes it clear that hasn't happened yet. But again, early, and we'll see how that continues to play out. |
San Francisco 49ers OT Vederian Lowe (ankle) had his right ankle looked at by trainers after suffering an injury during team drills Sunday, July 26.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers CB Nate Hobbs (undisclosed) was not present at the start of practice Sunday, July 26.
Link to storyNate Hobbs player page
San Francisco 49ers WR Christian Kirk reportedly walked off the field with a trainer midway through Sunday's practice session, but we should get some definitive word from acting HC Chris Foerster about Kirk, according to a source on Sunday, July 26.
| Footballguys view: The Panthers were the most star-crossed injury team so far this summer, but the 49ers have held that title for many years (tinfoil hats on). Kirk was limited by hamstring issues last year with Houston. If he has trouble staying on the field this year, that will present another avenue for second round pick De'Zhaun Stribling to have an impact in fantasy leagues in his rookie year. |
Christian Kirk player page
San Francisco 49ers DT Kevin Givens was re-signed to a one-year deal, according to a source on Sunday, July 26. DT Evan Anderson was cut by the 49ers as well.
Link to storyKevin Givens player page
San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa (knee) has been cleared for practice, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Bosa will likely be ramped up in practice over the next two weeks.
Link to storyNick Bosa player page
San Francisco 49ers DE Mykel Williams (knee) is aiming for a Week 1 return from the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to general manager John Lynch.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers DT Alfred Collins (shoulder) could be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list as soon as next week, according to general manager John Lynch.
Link to storyFree-agent TE Jalin Conyers (Dolphins), TE Josiah Deguara (Cardinals) and TE John Stephens (Cowboys) recently worked out for the San Francisco 49ers.
Link to storyJosiah Deguara player page
San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner (ankle) will be ready to participate when practices start, according to general manager John Lynch.
Link to storyFred Warner player page
Free-agent TE Tanner McLachlan (Chargers) agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers Saturday, July 25. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived TE Khalil Dinkins (undisclosed) with a non-football injury designation.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa (knee) avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list but will be eased back into practice early in training camp.
Link to storyNick Bosa player page
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk will remain on the left squad list, and the team will focus on the players that reported for training camp, according to general manager John Lynch.
| Footballguys view: Aiyuk has proclaimed that he would sign with the Commanders this offseason if the 49ers released him. Lynch made it sound like that's not going to happen anytime in the near future, so the NFL world waits (some more) for this Aiyuk situation to work itself out. Aiyuk did not play at all last year, and the last time he caught a pass in an NFL game was Week 7 of the 2024 season. |
Brandon Aiyuk player page
San Francisco 49ers DE Mykel Williams (knee) and DT Alfred Collins (shoulder) were placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Saturday, July 25.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Saturday, July 25.
| Footballguys view: Guerendo tore his pec lifting weights earlier this spring, and the plan was for him to be ready somewhere near the end of training camp. On the PUP list, Guerendo can be activated at any time during camp/preseason. When healthy, Guerendo is competing for a backup spot behind starting RB Christian McCaffrey with guys like Jordan James and Kaelon Black. |
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (Achilles) was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Saturday, July 25.
| Footballguys view: Reports from earlier this month suggest Kittle is ahead of schedule in his recovery. Kittle admitted that he's had no setbacks earlier this offseason, and he believes that he's on track to play in Week 1. He has a current ADP of TE9 (9.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
George Kittle player page
San Francisco 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan reportedly suffered significant injuries in a car accident on July 14. Assistant coach Chris Foerster will assume some of Shanahan's head coaching duties and help lead the team while Shanahan recuperates, according to a source on Saturday, July 25.
| Footballguys view: The injuries will have Shanahan limited at the beginning of training camp. He will be participating in team activities, but the team will monitor their head coach as he recovers from multiple injuries (including a severe concussion). |
Free-agent QB Jack Plummer (UFL) is scheduled to work out for the San Francisco 49ers Friday, July 24, according to a source.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers TE Luke Farrell is viewed as a blocking specialist, and he is trying to hold off TEs Hayden Rucci and Brayden Willis on the depth chart behind TEs George Kittle (Achilles) and Jake Tonges.
Link to storyLuke Farrell player page
Brayden Willis player page
San Francisco 49ers TE Khalil Dinkins (undisclosed) was placed on the active/non-football injury (NFI) list upon reporting to training camp with the rookies Saturday, July 18. He remains eligible to come off of the NFI list to play in his rookie season. Dinkins is viewed as an in-line blocker when the team intends to use multiple tight ends, therefore he is viewed as a depth player initially.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk could be used as a tight end in training camp if TE George Kittle (Achilles) is forced to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, as insurance in case the starter isn't ready to begin the regular season. However, he is also considered an important part as a lead blocker, as the team looks to jump-start its rushing game.
Link to storyKyle Juszczyk player page
San Francisco 49ers TE Jake Tonges stepped up as a dependable option last season when TE George Kittle (Achilles) due to injuries. If Kittle opens training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and remains there for the opening four games, Tonges would likely step in again as the starter.
| Footballguys view: Tonges was fantasy relevant more often than not when Kittle missed time last year and the 49ers offense is one of the more dependable value creators in the NFL. It's reasonable to take Tonges in the last round if you take Kittle as your primary tight end this year, but we expect Kittle to beat most achilles return timelines and get back to full speed earlier than a typical player would given his approach to the game and level of play into his 30s. |
Free-agent P Jack Bouwmeester (Texas) signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers Saturday, July 18. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers TE Khalil Dinkins (undisclosed) was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list Saturday, July 18.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk is expected to stay with the team and not be traded to the Washington Commanders 'at this stage,' according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
| Footballguys view: For months, we've been hearing about the Commanders making a move to land a receiver to complement Terry McLaurin. Aiyuk has been the player most frequently mentioned. Aiyuk's college quarterback at Arizona State was Daniels, but that connection won't spur a reunion. While Aiyuk is likely out of the picture, the Commanders may still be able to upgrade their receiving corps before training camp kicks off. One name who's still out there is Stefon Diggs, and he's coming off his seventh 1,000-yard season in the past eight years. |
Brandon Aiyuk player page
49ers tight end George Kittle has targeted Week 1 for his return since tearing his right Achilles in a Jan. 11 playoff game against the Eagles. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk expressed optimism over the weekend that Kittle will play in the season opener against the Rams in Australia. "I really [do] feel that way," Juszczyk said. "I was so impressed by the way he was moving [at Tight End U], and I was impressed the last week of OTAs, how he was moving . . . I was like, 'Wow, I really do think there is a chance that he's ready for Week 1.'"
| Footballguys view: Kittle was limited to 11 regular-season games due to hamstring and ankle injuries. He then required surgery to repair his Achilles tendon after the playoff victory over Philadelphia, missing the divisional playoff loss to the Seahawks. Kittle has repeatedly said he is ahead of schedule in his rehab, but the 49ers are sure to be deliberate with his practice schedule. We'll be monitoring Kittle's progress closely when veterans report to training camp next week. |
George Kittle player page
San Francisco 49ers WR Trent Taylor announced his retirement Saturday, July 11.
| Footballguys view: As far as Day 3 picks go, Taylor had a long career, getting drafted in 2017 and playing through 2024. After spotty use as a receiver to start his career, Taylor carved out a role as a special-teams player. He's been mostly uninvolved on offense since his rookie season, meaning his retirement has no impact on fantasy football. |
Trent Taylor player page
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle is one of three players with at least six touchdown catches in each of the past five seasons.
| Footballguys view: Whether by contested catches in the end zone or plays after the catch, Kittle has long shown a nose for the end zone. He'll have an uphill battle in 2026, his age-33 season, as he returns from a ruptured Achilles. Even if he isn't 100 percent to start the year, Kittle's upside late in the season could make him one of this year's better tight end values. |
George Kittle player page
San Francisco 49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling was labeled as a non-starter to know by ESPN's Aaron Schatz. He credited Stribling's yards after the catch potential in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
| Footballguys view: Stribling will have a chance to earn a starting role with Jauan Jennings now in Minnesota. Stribling is a fantastic blocker, and that alone could lead to snaps. Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall are likely atop the depth chart to start the season, but Stribling was selected with the 33rd overall pick, clearly signaling plans for him. And Evans and Pearsall have struggled to stay healthy. Stribling is falling deep into drafts this year and has enough injury-away contingent upside to make him an alluring target. |
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey can be an elite running back 'for at least one more year,' according to an NFC executive. 'But he's such an elite overall player with versatility who takes care of himself,' the executive said.
| Footballguys view: McCaffrey is coming off another superb year as he heads into his age-30 season. Ricky Pearsall is expected back and healthy. The team drafted De'Zhaun Stribling. The signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. There are more mouths to feed than last year, but McCaffrey is clearly the engine powering the offense. He's being valued as a consensus top-six pick, and if healthy, he can finish as fantasy's top-scoring player again. |
Christian McCaffrey player page
Mac Jones was subject to trade rumors this offseason, but the 49ers never received an offer they couldn't refuse, electing to hang onto Brock Purdy's backup. Jones said he's "excited" to continue learning under Kyle Shanahan and will be ready when he gets his next shot at a starting job. "I'm still 27. I have some good scars and bad scars, but I know I can play," he said, noting he takes solace in how Sam Darnold turned his career around. "I feel like I can really elevate people around me. And whether that comes soon or later or never, I know I'm going to be ready for it. I hope it does happen."
| Footballguys view: After a solid rookie season in New England, things went sideways for Jones, who was traded to Jacksonville in 2024. Once Jones hit free agency in 2025, Shanahan landed the quarterback, who inked a two-year pact. With Purdy dealing with injuries last season, Jones was thrust into action and acquitted himself well. In 11 appearances, including eight starts, Jones completed a career-high 69.6 percent of 289 attempts for 2,151 yards,13 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Niners went 5-3 in his starts. Jones will get his shot, likely in free agency next year. |
Mac Jones player page
San Francisco 49ers DL Gracen Halton signed a four-year, $5.62 million rookie contract on Tuesday, July 7.
Link to storyReceiver Brandon Aiyuk's path to free agency is simple. One, file a petition with the league for reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list. Two, once reinstated, show up for training camp. At that point, the 49ers most likely would release him. Aiyuk has made it clear that he won't be doing that. In his latest Instagram story -- which consists of a statement, not a video -- Aiyuk says this: "I will not be reinstating with them or ever doing any kind of business with them. I'm locked in and focused on my opportunity to return to the field this season! #RAISEHAIL"
| Footballguys view: In a separate post, Aiyuk accused the 49ers of lying to the media and the fan base regarding the decision to void his guarantees and his intent to return to the team. Whatever the case, unless the 49ers release him from the reserve/left squad list (they have no incentive to do that), he'll continue to be in limbo. The thing he refuses to do is the one thing he needs to do in order to force the team's hand. "Either he doesn't realize this, or he doesn't care," PFT's Mike Florio writes. "Neither explanation will get him to the Commanders." |
Brandon Aiyuk player page
San Francisco 49ers third-round draft choice DE Romello Height signed a four-year contract with the 49ers Monday, July 6, worth $7.29 million.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers WR Mike Evans was 'unstoppable in red zone drills' during OTAs, according to TE George Kittle.
| Footballguys view: Kittle, who was integral in recruiting Evans to the Niners, told reporters that during one of the final OTAs, Evans caught "three to five" touchdowns, using his size and leaping ability to haul in score after score. This adds to a previous report indicating Evans is heading for an "alpha" role in his first season in San Francisco. It's not hard to argue that Evans' current WR27 ADP doesn't reflect that role. Assuming he's on the field all 17 games, we're paying for Evans' floor and totally ignoring the historically high ceiling. |
Mike Evans player page
San Francisco 49ers WR Mike Evans is considered an 'alpha type of player' for the team, according to offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.
| Footballguys view: Evans was a regular participant in the team's offseason program, running routes and catching passes from quarterback Brock Purdy. At the team's final open OTA, Evans was front and center. In 7-on-7 and team drills, he made at least four catches, working the sideline, the middle of the field, and even getting a deep ball down the sideline from Purdy. Assuming he's the alpha in this offense, Evans' WR27 ADP and Round 5 price tag are appealing, especially considering he's finished as WR2 or better in 11 of his 12 seasons (including six WR1 finishes). |
Mike Evans player page
The San Francisco 49ers had the 'framework for a suitable offer' in place to trade for Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby.
Link to storyMaxx Crosby player page
San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones will likely be the first player targeted in a trade if a team loses its starting quarterback to injury, according to James Palmer of Bleacher Report.
| Footballguys view: Bleacher Report's James Palmer also believes that the 49ers could "probably" get the other team to "overpay a little bit." A former NFL starter and first-round draft pick, Jones produced for San Francisco while making eight starts in place of injured starter Brock Purdy in the 2025 season. The 49ers added $300,000 in incentives to the final year of Jones' contract, which happens to be this upcoming season. They wanted to keep him happy after how well the offense fared with Jones at the helm. Assuming he's not traded, he'll be a coveted free agent next offseason. |
Mac Jones player page
San Francisco 49ers TE Jake Tonges will likely see an increased role in the offense if TE George Kittle (Achilles) is not ready to play at the start of the regular season, in the opinion of NinersWire's Kyle Madson.
| Footballguys view: Tonges is a waiver wire watch list player for now, but if Kittle is on PUP to begin camp, he'll move up in the rankings. He was a productive option when Kittle missed time last year, with five strong performances in seven games as the starter. |
Much like in 2025, Cowing had a strong offseason program, consistently making big plays down the field in team drills and 7-on-7. Cowing even caught the attention of veteran wideout Mike Evans. "He has a lot of juice, and he can add a lot to this team," Evans said. "The speed down the field, the quickness. He's having a few really good weeks, and he's made a lot of plays."
| Footballguys view: As ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner reported, Cowing was unable to capitalize on a strong spring last year as a series of hamstring injuries kept him out all season. If he can stay healthy, he should have a chance to carve out a role as a returner with some opportunities in the passing game behind Evans and Ricky Pearsall. But with Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson also in the mix, Cowing will have his work cut out for him. |
Jacob Cowing player page
San Francisco 49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling is competing for the starting slot receiver role with WRs Christian Kirk and Demarcus Robinson. He showed he could catch the ball across the middle during his time at Oklahoma State in 2024, but at Ole Miss in 2025, he struggled in the role. However, if he impresses, the belief is that he could start since the team is so invested in him, while Kirk and Robinson are considered expendable.
| Footballguys view: Stribling is an excellent blocker, and he's got a ton of speed for the position. As a slot receiver, there are many things a player like Stribling could do to help an offense. We love Stribling in dynasty formats, but behind Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall (if he wins the slot role) there might not be much fantasy value for Stribling in 2026. We see the rookie as a WR6 with upside. |
Demarcus Robinson player page
Christian Kirk player page
San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones said he has been focused on repeating his success from last season. 'But the challenge is to do it again this year and really not compare the two,' Jones said. 'Every season is different and I've learned that probably better than anybody. I feel like it's time to stack some good years here.'
| Footballguys view: Jones is back for his second season with the 49ers. He looked good starting in relief of Brock Purdy last year (2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in eight games), and Jones is set to earn a big contract as an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The Shanahan system is perfect for Jones, so if he's called upon again this season, he should be able to play at a high level. |
Mac Jones player page
San Francisco 49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk said he is feeling good heading into the 2026 season, and he has no intention of putting a timeline on his career. 'I feel so good, and I'm still having so much fun,' Juszczyk said. 'I'm in zero pain whatsoever, and I feel like I'm still playing at such a high level. So, I want to continue to do this thing as long as I possibly can. I haven't put a number on when I want to end, but as it stands right now, I'm just going to keep going until the wheels fall off.'
Link to storyKyle Juszczyk player page
Free-agent RB Sincere McCormick (49ers) signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers Wednesday, June 10. Financial terms were not disclosed. The team also waived RB Jordan Mims.
| Footballguys view: The 49ers spent a third-round pick on Kaelon Black this year. They still have Jordan James as well, last year's fifth-rounder. Two years ago, they spent a fourth-round pick on Isaac Guerendo. Still, they are looking for extra depth. McCormick could end up being nothing but a camp body, but his addition could also signal a potential roster cut for one of the young guys, likely Gurendo, who has done little aside from special teams. |
Jordan Mims player page
Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby could be of interest to the San Francisco 49ers, if the Raiders decide to move him this offseason, according to Vincent Bonsignore of the New York Post. Multiple league sources believe that the framework for a deal could include a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round draft pick and DE Mykel Williams for Crosby.
Link to storyMaxx Crosby player page
San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones (undisclosed) did not throw during the voluntary workout Wednesday, June 3, because of soreness but said he will be ready for training camp.
| Footballguys view: Let's just put a pin in this. Jones is there to be a quality reserve behind Brock Purdy, and the team is not going to skip a beat if he's forced to play. We should see him out there later in the summer. |
Mac Jones player page
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (Achilles) said that his recovery is on schedule and there is a chance that he will be ready for Week 1. He was able to do some running on the side during the voluntary workout Wednesday, June 3.
| Footballguys view: Kittle seems to be on the right track. When training camp begins, Kittle may not be on the PUP list, so even if he's not around for Week 1 it may not be long before he's out there for regular season action. An early return in the first month of the season seems likely with Week 1 as the initial target. |
George Kittle player page
Free-agent S Ashtyn Davis (Dolphins) has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to a source on Tuesday, June 2. The 49ers also waived RB Jermar Jefferson.
Link to storyAshtyn Davis player page
Jermar Jefferson player page
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk seems unlikely to be traded, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: The 49ers have made it clear they would rather trade Aiyuk than release him, but finding a deal for the disgruntled wide receiver amid his puzzling behavior is proving difficult. "I talked to two rival executives who believe that he's simply untradeable right now," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported. The 49ers still can create $20 million in salary-cap space by releasing Aiyyk after June 1 if a trade partner isn't found. And as of right now, that is the most likely outcome. |
Brandon Aiyuk player page
San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa (knee) is making his way back from a third torn anterior cruciate ligament, and the second on his right knee. He has developed ways to cope with adversity, stress and anxiety during his seven-year career, which he considered ending after his latest injury. 'It was rough early on, especially how good things (were) going for the defense and me personally,' Bosa said. 'I felt that was at a pretty high level to start the year. And then you start out (after you're injured) wanting to quit. Never play again. Never put your body in that position again. And then you slowly realize that you love this game, and you want to get back to it.' He fully expects to play in the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Australia.
| Footballguys view: Bosa is a very important player for a defense that was playing without him and Fred Warner for most of the season, and also lost defensive coordinator Robert Saleh when he was hired as the head coach of the Titans. The Rams offense could start out red hot against the 49ers defense still rounding into form down under in Week 1. |
Nick Bosa player page































