49ers Training Camp: Biggest Storylines to Watch

As the San Francisco 49ers officially open training camp, expectations remain high despite an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.

Speaking on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, Sacramento Bee reporter Chris Biderman outlined the biggest storylines he’ll be watching over the coming weeks, with health sitting atop the list.

“I’m curious to see how healthy the star players are,” Biderman said, specifically mentioning George Kittle’s recovery from a torn Achilles and Nick Bosa’s return from another ACL injury. “The health of the stars, I think, ultimately is the biggest storyline of the camp.”

While San Francisco remains one of the NFL’s veteran-heavy contenders, Biderman doesn’t view this as a roster undergoing major changes. Instead, he believes camp will be about evaluating returning stars, monitoring rookie development and seeing how quickly newcomers fit into Kyle Shanahan’s demanding system.

De’Zhaun Stribling #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels runs after a catch against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

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One rookie receiving plenty of attention is second-round wide receiver Deshaun Stribling.

Biderman noted Shanahan’s offense has historically presented a steep learning curve for young receivers, but believes Stribling’s experience at multiple college programs could accelerate his transition.

“The pressure is on him to acclimate quickly,” Biderman said. “Part of the appeal of Deshaun Stribling was that this guy is older. They think he can handle that.”

His arrival also adds another layer of intrigue to Ricky Pearsall’s third NFL season. Pearsall has flashed impressive talent but has struggled to stay healthy, making 2026 a pivotal year for his long-term future.

“There’s a lot of pressure on Pearsall,” Biderman said. “He has the talent to elevate himself to a Pro Bowl type level, but there’s also a scenario where he only plays in half the games.”

Defensively, much of the spotlight remains on Bosa. Beyond simply returning from injury, Biderman believes the former Defensive Player of the Year is entering a defining season as the organization evaluates his long-term future.

“It’s a massive season for Bosa,” Biderman explained. “I would imagine the 49ers are probably going to take it slowly with him.”

Defensive end Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 17-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Biderman is also optimistic about the addition of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, whose impact may extend beyond traditional statistics.

“He could really complement the defensive line as a whole,” Biderman said, noting the veteran’s ability to generate interior pressure should create more favorable matchups for the rest of San Francisco’s front.

On the back end, Biderman expects several starting jobs to be up for grabs, particularly at safety and cornerback under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Although San Francisco opens the season with a historic Week 1 trip to Australia against the Los Angeles Rams, Biderman believes Shanahan’s focus remains on peaking later in the year.

“I think they would rather be playing their best football in November and December,” Biderman said, emphasizing that staying healthy for the stretch run will ultimately matter more than any single early-season game.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers Training Camp: Health, Brock Purdy & the Aging Core Take Center Stage
• 49ers Announce 2026 Open Training Camp Dates
• ESPN insider on QB Brock Purdy’s 2026 outlook & Brandon Aiyuk’s future
• Faithful Flashbacks #47: 49ers’ Giant Wild Card Comeback
• Faithful Flashbacks #49: Lights Out at the Super Bowl

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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