San Francisco 49ers News

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Eddy Piñeiro • K • 49ers

Eddy Pineiro A Top-12 Kicking Option For Week 1

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro is ready for his second season with the team. Last year, Pineiro took over the position from Jake Moody after the latter missed three kicks (including two extra points) in last year's season opener. Pineiro went on to be one of the most effective kickers in fantasy football based on fantasy points per game. Not previously known for having a powerful leg, Pineiro went 6-for-7 from beyond 50 yards and was 10-for-10 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards long in 2025. In Week 1, San Francisco opens the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne. The Rams have one of the league's top-rated defenses, but even if they slow down the 49ers, Kyle Shanahan's dynamic offense should still be able to move the ball into field goal range and set Pineiro up for some scores. Pineiro is 12th overall at his position in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings and can be safely started.

9 hours ago

George Kittle • TE • 49ers

George Kittle Cleared, Still A Risky Play For Week 1

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) beat the usual recovery timeline for the Achilles tear he suffered in January and will be active for the team's season opener on Thursday night. Despite being limited in practices this week, he carries no injury designation heading into the Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Melbourne. In Kittle's only game against Los Angeles in 2025, he caught nine passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers should not expect the same production for Week 1, as the tight end can be expected to be on a pitch count, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. With the additions to the 49ers' receiving room in Mike Evans, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel Sr., Brock Purdy has plenty of options to throw to. Kittle ranks as RotoBaller's TE8 this week, but his usual ceiling will be hard to reach in light of the circumstances around him.

9 hours ago

De'Zhaun Stribling • WR • 49ers

De'Zhaun Stribling WR3 On Depth Chart Ahead Of Week 1

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling was selected at the top of the second round in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his outstanding preseason, he will begin the regular season behind veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. on the 49ers' depth chart. Stribling can be expected to work into games as the 49ers' primary slot receiver, according to beat writer Matt Barrows of The Athletic. San Francisco opens the season against the Rams, who added cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in the offseason. With that pair likely assigned to keep Evans and Samuel in check, and tight end George Kittle (Achilles) on a pitch count, it is possible that Stribling takes advantage and sees a handful of targets in his regular-season debut. The uncertainty of his role and workload this early in the season calls for fantasy managers to exercise caution, however, and keep the rookie on the bench. Stribling ranks as a WR5 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings.

9 hours ago

Deebo Samuel Sr. • WR • 49ers

Deebo Samuel Sr. Draws Tough Matchup In First Game Back With 49ers

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is back with his former team after spending 2025 with the Washington Commanders. Samuel played with the 49ers from 2019 to 2024, during which time he averaged 55.7 receptions and 798.7 receiving yards per season. The team lists the 30-year-old receiver as starting opposite Mike Evans on their depth chart to start the season. Samuel will be competing not only with Evans for targets, but also rookie De'Zhaun Stribling and safety valve Christian McCaffrey. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to be on a pitch count in Week 1, which might afford Samuel some extra looks. In Week 1, Samuel will likely face off against cornerback Trent McDuffie, who has held the receiver in check in their past meetings. Samuel ranks as a borderline WR4/5 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings. Given the matchup and competition for targets, Samuel is a risky play in the first week of the season.

10 hours ago

Mike Evans • WR • 49ers

Mike Evans Could Emerge As 49ers' Top Target In Week 1

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans will make his team debut on Thursday in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Evans is listed as the team's WR1, working opposite Deebo Samuel Sr. and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to be on a pitch count for Week 1, which will likely keep Evans more involved. Evans' 6-foot-5, 231-pound frame might make him an attractive target for Brock Purdy against Rams' cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Evans was limited throughout the preseason while managing quad and groin injuries, but downplayed the severity in a press conference this week and said that they would not have cost him game time. Evans projects as a borderline WR2/3 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings. He is a safe start in most leagues and should definitely be in the lineup in leagues that start three wide receivers.

10 hours ago

Christian McCaffrey • RB • 49ers

Christian McCaffrey Healthy, Projected As Top-Three RB Option For Week 1

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) spent much of the preseason limited with what was described in numerous reports as general tightness. McCaffrey later explained that his extended absence from team drills was part of the team's plan to keep him fresh in 2026 after racking up 414 touches in 2025. McCaffrey was not listed on injury reports this week and carries no designation ahead of the 49ers' season opener against the Rams. Injuries to the 49ers' offense in 2025 paved the way for McCaffrey to be the team's leading receiver. San Francisco fleshed out its wide receiver room in the offseason, reuniting with Deebo Samuel Sr., signing free agent Mike Evans, and drafting rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. With the new additions, there may be fewer opportunities for McCaffrey as a pass catcher. Still, he will remain the focal point of Kyle Shanahan's dynamic offense and, when healthy, has the potential to be the top running back in fantasy football week-to-week. McCaffrey projects as a top-3 option at his position in Week 1.

10 hours ago

Brock Purdy • QB • 49ers

Brock Purdy Still a QB2 Against Rams' Improved Defense

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy lost out on eight games of production in 2025 while dealing with turf toe. In nine games, Purdy threw for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Now healthy and bearing the weight of the $250 million contract he signed prior to last season, Purdy needs to start 2026 on the right foot. San Francisco brought in wide receivers Mike Evans, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel Sr. in the offseason, and Purdy still has Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) as a safety valve. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) will be active but is expected to be on a pitch count. Purdy will not have it easy against the Rams after they bolstered their defense with the additions of Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson. If San Francisco's offensive line can keep him safe, Purdy can have a productive day given the options around him. He projects as a high-end QB2 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings.

10 hours ago

George Kittle • TE • 49ers

George Kittle Will Be On "Pitch Count" During Season Opener

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles in January and has worked his way back to being available for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. However, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the talented tight end will be on a "pitch count to start, but a pretty dramatic return for one of the NFL's best tight ends. George Kittle is back." Kittle played in 11 games in 2025 and recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 11.0 yards per reception and 57.1 yards per game. Even at age 32, Kittle is still one of the best tight end bets for fantasy. Returning from an Achilles tear as quickly as he did at that advanced age is a bit concerning, but if anyone can do it, it would be Kittle. Look for a bit of a slow start to the season as he adjusts back to playing, but he still should be a top-tier tight end.

13 hours ago

George Kittle • TE • 49ers

George Kittle Will Complete His Comeback, Play in Week 1

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is off the injury report and has no designation for Thursday night's matchup in Melbourne against the Rams. Kittle tore his Achilles on January 11th against the Eagles, but the 32-year-old has been aiming for a Week 1 return. He'll hit that target and play on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Kittle could need some time to ramp up to a full workload, but he brings a high enough ceiling to be started in most formats right away. Kittle is the No. 8 tight end in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings, so he should probably be in your lineup if you drafted him in most leagues. With a whole new wide receiver group, Kittle's rapport with QB Brock Purdy will be critical to the 49ers' ability to keep up with the Rams Down Under this Thursday.

14 hours ago

Alfred Collins • DL • 49ers

Alfred Collins Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury in Practice

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins (knee) tore his patellar tendon in practice on Monday and will miss the entire 2026 season, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. It is a tough break for Collins just days before the team's season opener in Melbourne, Australia, against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old tallied 17 combined tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 16 games played (one start) in 2025 after he was taken in the second round of the NFL Draft out of Texas. Collins was projected to be a starter for the Niners' defensive line on the interior going into his second NFL season, so this is another key injury for a 49ers team that has been extremely banged up in recent seasons.

Yesterday

De'Zhaun Stribling • WR • 49ers

De'Zhaun Stribling Keeps Pushing Toward a Bigger Role

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling still looks like one of the more interesting rookie breakouts to watch after a strong summer. The shoulder issue that cost him the preseason finale is no longer showing up on the injury report, which removes the biggest short-term concern. Stribling earned the attention in the first place. He caught 11 of 13 targets for 109 yards across two preseason games and kept making plays in camp, including a pair of red-zone touchdowns during joint practices with the Chargers. Kyle Shanahan also praised how consistently he competed and handled coaching. The role is not locked in yet. San Francisco's official depth chart lists Mike Evans ahead of Stribling, with Deebo Samuel Sr. starting at the other receiver spot, but Ricky Pearsall is out for the season and there should be room for Stribling in multi-receiver sets. He does not need to be forced into lineups against the Rams. The bigger story is that his breakout path is still very much alive.

Yesterday

George Kittle • TE • 49ers

49ers to Monitor Playing Time for George Kittle in Week 1

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the team will monitor the playing time for tight end George Kittle (Achilles) in the Week 1 season opener in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. "We got to be smart with that," Shanahan said. Kittle was listed as limited in Tuesday's practice in Australia as he comes back from a torn Achilles tendon in last year's postseason. The 32-year-old veteran traveled with the team and is in line to play on Thursday, but he could be facing limited offensive snaps, which will make him highly volatile in fantasy football to kick things off. It does not mean that Kittle cannot still be valuable for his red-zone prowess, but there will be much more risk. Jake Tonges could be a sneaky deep-league streamer in Week 1 if Kittle's reps are managed against the Rams. Fantasy managers should view Kittle as more of a low-end TE2 option in starting lineups for Week 1.

Yesterday

Kaelon Black • RB • 49ers

Kaelon Black a Top Handcuff Option in 2026

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black enters 2026 as the clear handcuff to star running back Christian McCaffrey. Black missed time throughout training camp with an adductor injury but played well in the final preseason game and reportedly earned the backup role in San Francisco. The third-round pick was the team's second-highest-ranked running back in the draft process and has earned praise throughout the organization, earning the label "fast and explosive." McCaffrey has missed time throughout training camp, and the team is expected to manage the 30-year-old's workload in practice. Black is a strong handcuff at the running back position and carries immense upside if McCaffrey misses time.

Yesterday

Christian McCaffrey • RB • 49ers

Christian McCaffrey Avoids 49ers Injury Report Ahead of Week 1

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is not among the players listed on the injury report ahead of his team's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. McCaffrey's participation in training camp was limited due to undisclosed tightness, but it appears he is fully ready to go ahead of Week 1. The star running back led the NFL with 413 touches in 2025, so San Francisco may simply have been taking every available precaution to limit his workload over the summer. The ability to stay healthy throughout the entire season remains a concern for McCaffrey, who is entering his age-30 campaign and has missed 10 games or more in three of his nine career NFL seasons. Still, McCaffrey looks to be healthy entering 2026, and he remains a high-end RB1 option for fantasy managers as long as he is on the field.

2 days ago

De'Zhaun Stribling • WR • 49ers

De'Zhaun Stribling Not Listed on 49ers Injury Report on Tuesday

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling was not listed on the team's initial injury report ahead of its season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Stribling dealt with a shoulder injury during the preseason, but he was able to practice in full on Tuesday and looks to be a full-go for Week 1. A second-round pick out of Ole Miss, Stribling recorded 55 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns across 15 games in his final collegiate season. With 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) expected to miss the entire 2026 season due to a knee injury, Stribling should play a starting role in San Francisco alongside veteran wideouts Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. The 23-year-old may not provide high-end fantasy production right away, but his upside makes him worth stashing in a bench spot in most league formats.

2 days ago

Mike Evans • WR • 49ers

Mike Evans Not Listed on 49ers Week 1 Injury Report

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is not listed on the team's initial injury report ahead of its season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Evans dealt with a groin injury during training camp, but the veteran wideout said it wasn't serious, and he appears to be a full-go for the start of the regular season. Evans is entering his age-33 season and missed nine games in 2025 due to hamstring and collarbone injuries. Even ahead of his first season with the 49ers, Evans has little to prove in training camp practices, so it makes sense that the team would be extra cautious with him over the summer. Evans remained a productive player when healthy last season, recording 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns on 62 targets across eight games. He profiles as a high-end WR3 option for fantasy managers entering 2026.

2 days ago

George Kittle • TE • 49ers

George Kittle is Limited During Tuesday's Practice

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session, according to Josh Dubow. Kittle has been able to practice both Monday and Tuesday, which is a good sign ahead of Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams. The 32-year-old appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the season opener. It wouldn't be shocking to see the 49ers limit his playing time until he's back to full speed. Kittle did suffer a torn Achilles in January, so the fact that he's basically ready to play again is incredible. When healthy, Kittle is one of the best tight ends in the league and should offer low-end TE1 offer if he suits up on Thursday.

2 days ago

Christian McCaffrey • RB • 49ers

Christian McCaffrey in Full Uniform for Tuesday's practice in Australia

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) is in full uniform for the team's practice in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The team's final injury report for the day will tell us more about CMC's status for the Week 1 showdown on Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but it looks like he is heading in the right direction to be active. The Niners kept McCaffrey in bubble wrap during the preseason, and he has been sitting out of practices for several weeks due to undisclosed tightness. The star RB said the plan was always for the team to play it safe with him to have him fully ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, and it makes sense given his lengthy injury history. Until further notice, there is no reason for fantasy managers to pull CMC out of their starting lineups for Week 1. The 30-year-old four-time Pro Bowler and 2023 Offensive Player of the Year is a league-winner if he stays healthy, which is what he did in 2025, when he ran for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games.

2 days ago

De'Zhaun Stribling • WR • 49ers

De'Zhaun Stribling in Full Uniform for Practice

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (shoulder) was seen wearing his full uniform for Tuesday's practice in Australia, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. It should be noted that this practice is occurring on Tuesday in Australian local time, but the timing lines up with Monday night for folks in the Pacific Time Zone of the United States. Time zone specifics aside, fantasy managers should feel encouraged that the rookie was able to don full pads with the 49ers' season opener less than three days away. Assuming he suits up for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, Stribling projects to handle a decent workload alongside Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. We wouldn't recommend starting the 23-year-old in fantasy lineups until we see what his role looks like, but he's absolutely worth stashing on the bench in 12+ team leagues and even some deeper 10-team formats, too.

2 days ago

George Kittle • TE • 49ers

George Kittle's Week 1 Workload is Undecided

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) was seen participating in practice on Monday. 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak says Kittle looks good for the season opener, but his workload is still to be determined, Cam Inman reports. Kittle still needs to get through a few more practices, but is trending towards playing on Thursday versus the Los Angeles Rams. The 32-year-old made an incredibly quick recovery from a torn right Achilles that he suffered during a playoff game in January. When healthy, Kittle is a top-tier tight end, but fantasy managers might need to be patient with him for a game or two.

3 days ago

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