Overview
- The 49ers have an ordered preseason plan that begins with rookies reporting, followed by veterans and the first full training camp practices, then joint sessions with the Titans and Chargers and a preseason game slate that leads to final roster cuts.
- Mike Evans, signed in March, is being presented by teammates and coaches as a veteran leader who will help mentor a younger receiving room and compete for production in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
- Brandon Aiyuk’s future with the team remains unresolved because he would need to file for NFL reinstatement to return and has publicly said he is not willing to do that as a 49er, leaving his reporting uncertain and potentially forcing roster moves.
- Young players will face close evaluation: cornerback Upton Stout is widely viewed as a breakout candidate, De’Zhaun Stribling will draw extra scrutiny after being picked 33rd overall, and pass-rusher Mykel Williams is returning from a 2025 ACL tear and is expected to be healthier this season.
- Coach Kyle Shanahan values joint practices as evaluation tools, so the scheduled interteam sessions and the three preseason games are the decisive opportunities for the staff to separate position battles and set the 53-man roster.