Kyle Shanahan provides key 49ers injury updates ahead of preseason finale

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided several injury updates as the team prepares for Thursday’s preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, with the roster picture becoming clearer ahead of the regular-season opener in Australia.

Shanahan said the competition at left guard is nearing a conclusion, with Connor Colby and Carver Willis battling for the starting job. Robert Jones, who has missed the last two weeks with an injury, remains part of the equation.

“It’s close to being decided, and it needs to be close,” Shanahan said. “Today is the second to last day that we’ll get to evaluate. We’ll get it on the game.”

The 49ers are also managing several injuries that could impact the final roster. Shanahan said wide receiver Christian Kirk could potentially begin the season on injured reserve, while offensive lineman Vederian Lowe is another possibility.

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke is dealing with three broken ribs, while running back Jordan James is recovering from a broken rib of his own. Shanahan said James is close but likely won’t play Thursday and should be ready afterward.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a first down during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The status of several key veterans is also worth monitoring. Shanahan said Nick Bosa is doing well and hopes the defensive star can return to practice next week.

George Kittle has been limited to non-competitive work, including routes on air and working with quarterbacks and the offensive line, but Shanahan hopes the tight end can participate more during the team’s three practices next week.

Mike Evans is dealing with a tight groin and is also expected to return next week.

As for Thursday’s preseason finale, Shanahan does not expect to play many starters.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Mike Evans #5 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“I don’t think you’ll see many starters,” Shanahan said. “We just don’t have enough time as we usually do, so I’ll be surprised if any of them are out there. There might be a couple, but it will be closer to how Week One was.”

The 49ers will have to finalize their roster earlier than usual because of their upcoming trip to Australia. Shanahan said the accelerated timeline makes roster decisions more difficult, but the team will have three days after Thursday’s game to evaluate potential additions before Sunday’s deadline.

“That’s why it’s extremely fluid all the way up to the cutdown and after,” Shanahan said.

The focus now is on getting the roster healthy and ready for Week One, with Shanahan acknowledging that injuries have complicated the final stretch of preparation. Still, he said he has learned not to overreact to injuries unless they are long-term.

“The things that I really struggle with is when you lose a guy for the year like we did Ricky,” Shanahan said. “Those are the harder ones.”

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Brooks: De’Zhaun Stribling is “the absolute real deal”
• Christian McCaffrey could see a lighter workload in 2026
• Why George Kittle’s Week 1 decision looms large for the 49ers
• 49ers acquire veteran LB Deion Jones from Saints
• 49ers sign TE Khalil Dinkins to 3-year deal

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• 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

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Maxx Crosby lands at 24th in NFL Top 100Plough: UC Davis ready to chase down Big Sky title in 2026Position Preview: Confidence Defines Aggies’ Special Teams UnitFaithful Flashbacks #11: The Catch IIBrooks: De’Zhaun Stribling is “the absolute real deal”Christian McCaffrey could see a lighter workload in 2026