The San Francisco 49ers have opened their 2026 training camp at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, with veteran players reporting on Saturday, July 25, to join the rookie class that arrived a week prior, according to Yahoo Sports. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is in his 10th season in charge, is taking a step back as he recovers from the effects of a July 14 car accident, according to SI.
Shanahan Takes Step Back at 49ers Training Camp After Car Accident
According to SI, Shanahan’s recovery features a lingering concussion and a non-linear healing process with ups and downs. During a Wednesday practice, Shanahan came out midway through the session to watch from behind the action alongside general manager John Lynch, while defensive coordinator Raheem Morris also stopped by to talk. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak carried the walkie-talkie connecting to quarterback Brock Purdy’s helmet, while Shanahan watched like a personnel executive, contributing where he could while his body heals nicely, SI reported. According to mercurynews.com, Shanahan was also observed watching from afar during early camp sessions featuring closed-door jog-thru workouts.
Roster Additions, Medical Rehabs, and Position Battles
The 49ers enter camp following an offseason of medical rehabilitations and roster reshuffling, with several superstar pillars working their way back from injuries that cut their 2025 campaigns short, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Tight end George Kittle is progressing in his recovery from a postseason torn Achilles, defensive end Nick Bosa is rehabbing a torn ACL, and linebacker Fred Warner enters camp fully healthy after missing 11 games last season with a dislocated and fractured ankle, per Yahoo Sports.
High-profile veteran arrivals join the squad, including wide receiver Mike Evans, who signed a landmark three-year contract in free agency, slot receiver Christian Kirk, returning linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and interior defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, according to Yahoo Sports. Meanwhile, former 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor retired just days before training camp, concluding a career that included stints with the 49ers from 2017 to 2020 and 2024 to 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals from 2021 to 2022, and the Chicago Bears in 2023, according to Newsweek.
On-field position battles have also taken center stage. Rookie running back Kaelon Black has flashed speed behind Christian McCaffrey, who returns after logging an NFL-high 413-touch workload last season, following a rib fracture sustained by 2025 second-rounder Jordan James, according to SI and mercurynews.com. At wide receiver, 33rd overall draft pick De’Zhaun Stribling has impressed early with his strength and speed, drawing praise from Brock Purdy, per SI and mercurynews.com.
Open Practices and Upcoming Schedule
The team’s schedule features 11 open practices, five weekend dates, and one joint practice with the Tennessee Titans scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, according to an announcement by the franchise on 49ers.com. Open practices began on Sunday, July 26, next to Levi’s Stadium, accommodating fans with $10 member tickets and $20 non-member tickets where all proceeds benefit the 49ers Foundation, per 49ers.com.
The team faces an accelerated timeline due to a Week 1 international matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, leaving six weeks of camp to prepare, according to Yahoo Sports and mercurynews.com. Special events during camp include an exclusive season-ticket-member-only practice on Monday, August 3, and the annual “87 Day” celebration on Thursday, August 6, honoring Dwight Clark to raise ALS awareness and support the Golden Heart Fund and Augie’s Quest, as detailed by 49ers.com.
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