Entering 2026, health remains the 49ers’ greatest concern

If the San Francisco 49ers are going to compete for another deep playoff run, their path may come down to one familiar factor: health.

Rob “Stats” Guerrera of the Gold Standard Podcast joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to discuss the 49ers ahead of their preseason finale, and while there is plenty to like about the roster, the number of players dealing with injuries is becoming increasingly concerning with Week 1 approaching.

“The answer is always what it has been for the 49ers the past few seasons: health,” Guerrera said. “If they are healthy, if they have their guys, they can compete with anybody.”

The problem is that San Francisco is already dealing with a lengthy injury list before the games begin to count.

Guerrera noted that 23 players missed practice, which represents nearly 40% of the team’s 53-man roster. While some absences may be purely precautionary, several situations warrant closer attention.

“Unfortunately, 23 players missed practice yesterday, which is almost 40 percent of a 53-man roster,” Guerrera said. “The concerns are real.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers walks to the locker room during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

Nick Bosa has not practiced in a month, while Ricky Pearsall is expected to miss the entire season. Christian McCaffrey has also missed a significant amount of practice, and Mike Evans has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the year.

The situation is particularly concerning when considering how much the 49ers are relying on several veteran stars.

George Kittle is another major question mark. The veteran tight end has made remarkable progress from his torn Achilles and was activated from the physically unable to perform list this week, but Guerrera believes San Francisco should be cautious about rushing him back for the season opener in Australia.

“The fact that George Kittle is even remotely close to coming back from his torn Achilles is an incredible story in and of itself,” Guerrera said.

However, Kittle would have to make the lengthy trip to Australia before potentially playing Week 1, creating another reason for the 49ers to take a conservative approach.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a first quarter touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“I think the smart play is to just say, ‘Hey, George, why not wait until Week 2 against the Dolphins?’” Guerrera said.

There is also encouraging news on rookie pass rusher Mykel Williams. Guerrera said Williams appears to be progressing well without any setbacks, but because he suffered his ACL injury later in the season than Bosa, he could begin the year on the PUP list.

Ultimately, the 49ers still have the talent to be one of the NFL’s best teams. But as Guerrera emphasized, that potential depends heavily on whether San Francisco can keep its key players on the field.

Check out the full conversation at the top of this page or by visiting the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

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

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