San Francisco 49ers

Deebo Samuel Sr.

WR

The versatile Samuel made a splash in his return to the 49ers following a one-year stint with the Commanders, tying for the team lead in receptions and for runner-up status in targets as well with new teammate Mike Evans. Samuel's production was boosted by the second-quarter exit of De'Zhaun Stribling due to an ankle injury, and the highlight of the former's performance came when he recorded a 15-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter by mirroring Brock Purdy's movement across the field as the quarterback extended the play. Samuel's Week 1 usage implied he'll fill the same type of diverse role he previously thrived in within head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, and the veteran receiver is likely to remain busy in a Week 2 home matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 20.

George Kittle

TE

Kittle headed into the game without an injury designation, making a remarkable recovery from January's Achilles tear to suit up Week 1. The veteran tight end wasn't much of a factor despite the fact San Francisco lost rookie De'Zhaun Stribling in the first half to what may be a serious ankle injury. However, Kittle did help the 49ers' ground attack generate an impressive 5.8 yards per carry, and he's likely to see his participation rate progressively increase in coming weeks. Kittle's position mate Jake Tonges also suffered a potentially significant knee injury, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, a development that could accelerate Kittle's return to a full complement of snaps.

Kaelon Black

RB

The rookie third-round pick opened the season as Christian McCaffrey's primary backup, but he actually ended up outpacing his star backfield mate by four carries as the 49ers progressively took control in the second half. Black earned the touches with multiple productive runs that showed off his explosiveness, and his ability to help keep McCaffrey fresh throughout the game should only help lead to more opportunities for the first-year back going forward. Black garnered the No. 2 job thanks to an impressive two-game preseason where he performed similarly to Week 1, lending credence to the notion the Indiana product could maintain his fantasy relevance, particularly in deeper formats, as his first NFL season unfolds.

Fred Warner

LB

Warner logged his first game action since Week 6 of last season, which is when he suffered a campaign-ending dislocated right ankle. The veteran linebacker looked like his old self against Los Angeles in his return to the field, frequently making big plays -- including a forced fumble when he punched the ball out of tight end Tyler Higbee's grasp early in the fourth quarter -- and leading San Francisco with 11 stops. Warner has long been considered one of the league's top linebackers, and it appears last season's injury isn't going to prevent him from retaining that status in his ninth NFL campaign.

Mike Evans

WR

Evans shrugged off recent nagging injuries to hit the ground running in his 49ers regular-season debut, recording three catches for 22 yards on the opening possession alone. He would go on to double up that reception tally by game's end, tying for the team lead in that category with Deebo Samuel while also drawing even with his teammate for second in targets. Evans also was on the receiving end of the second of Brock Purdy's three touchdown passes, muscling his way to a contested two-yard grab in the left corner of the end zone in the third quarter. If early returns are any indication, the Purdy-Evans connection could be a prolific one throughout the season, and a Week 2 home matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 20 presents as a particularly promising matchup.

Eddy Pineiro

PK

Pineiro opened the scoring with a chip-shot 20-yard FG in the first quarter. His second field goal was much more difficult, as he nailed a 56-yarder early in the fourth. Pineiro had one more FG try, but he hit the right upright on a 52-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter with the game essentially in the bag for San Francisco. All in all, it was a successful season opener for the veteran kicker, whose six field goals from 50-plus yards out last season marked a career high. San Francisco's offense looked to be in good form against a tough Rams defense Thursday, so Pineiro could be in for plenty of opportunities in 2026.

Brock Purdy

QB

After an offseason in which the Rams' fearsome pass rush garnered plenty of headlines, Purdy navigated the season-opening matchup against his talented NFC West rival in nearly flawless fashion. The fifth-year signal-caller got off to a fast start with new No. 1 receiver Mike Evans, connecting with him on three occasions for 22 yards during a 15-play opening drive that culminated in a field goal. Purdy went on to hit Evans for a contested two-yard scoring strike early in the third quarter, and he sandwiched impressive touchdown tosses to Demarcus Robinson and Deebo Samuel of 39 and 15 yards, respectively, around that play. Purdy's early second-quarter interception on a pass intended for George Kittle did lead to the Rams' only touchdown, but as the final numbers indicate, the veteran quarterback did more than enough to atone. Purdy should have a strong chance of carrying over the season-opening momentum into Week 2, as a home date with what's expected to be a vulnerable Dolphins defense awaits on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Jake Tonges

TE

Tonges hobbled off with the assistance of trainers in the second quarter against Los Angeles and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He now appears to be looking at an extended absence. Luke Farrell soaked up the TE2 snaps behind George Kittle following Tonges' departure.

Christian McCaffrey

RB

Coming off a 2025 regular season where he was able to suit up for all 17 games while handling 413 total touches, McCaffrey saw a notable workload reduction to open the new campaign. Rookie third-round pick Kaelon Black actually outpaced McCaffrey by four carries, but it was the latter who edged out his new backfield mate for the team lead in rushing yards. McCaffrey flashed his trademark explosiveness when carrying the ball and should still helm the ground attack on the majority of weeks, although lopsided game scripts in either direction could lead to head coach Kyle Shanahan taking the opportunity to curtail his star running back's volume. McCaffrey will next take aim at what is expected to be a vulnerable Dolphins defense in a Week 2 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 20.

De'Zhaun Stribling

WR

Stribling briefly exited Thursday's game in the first quarter with a left ankle injury but was quickly cleared to return after being checked out in the blue medical tent. However, on the next drive, Stribling crumpled to the ground while running a route and had to be assisted off the field by the training staff before being carted to the locker room. He's now done for the night Thursday, having recorded zero targets. Demarcus Robinson is operating as the Niners' WR3 behind Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel.

Ephesians Prysock

CB

Prysock was expected to serve as a depth option in the 49ers' secondary in 2026, but, at least for Week 1, he'll be a healthy scratch. In his stead, free-agent acquisition Jack Jones could get increased snaps on defense.

Tatum Bethune

LB

Bethune finished the 2025 campaign on the 49ers' injured reserve, and he'll have to wait at least one more week to make his return to game action. In his absence, Garret Wallow could see an increase in playing time in Week 1.

Jordan Watkins

WR

After flashing during the preseason, Watkins will be a healthy scratch to begin the regular season. Presumably, veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel and rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling will see the lion's share of the 49ers' snaps at wide receiver in Week 1.

Jordan James

RB

The 2025 fifth-rounder will not suit up in Week 1, leaving Christian McCaffrey and rookie third-rounder Kaelon Black as the only healthy running backs active for the 49ers on Thursday. James' role moving forward may depend on how effective Black is to start the season.

Alfred Collins

DT

This move was anticipated, as Collins is set to miss the entire 2026 campaign as a result of tearing his patellar tendon during practice Tuesday. Osa Odighizuwa, CJ West and Gracen Halton should get plenty of reps at defensive tackle with Collins and Sam Okuayinonu (foot) sidelined.

Kurtis Rourke

QB

inactive

Enrique Cruz Jr.

OT

inactive

James Thompson Jr.

DT

KhaDarel Hodge

WR

Hodge was released by the Falcons at the start of free agency in March and didn't garner any interest until he had a tryout with the Bills in late July. He eventually joined an injury-ravaged 49ers receiving corps on Aug. 5 but didn't survive roster cuts before being signed to San Francisco's practice squad. It's unclear if any of the other six wide receivers on the active roster will be healthy scratches, but even if he's available for the season opener, he likely wouldn't be in line for many offensive snaps with all of Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson ahead of Hodge in the WR pecking order.

Luke Gifford

LB

Gifford has recovered from the hamstring injury that plagued him throughout August just in time for Thursday night's game. The strongside linebacker is all set to suit up opposite Dre Greenlaw for the Friday (local time) event against the Rams.

Gracen Halton

DT

Halton has been dealing with a persistent ankle injury. The defensive tackle sustained the injury in mid-August after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of the start of training camp. The fourth-round rookie has gotten over both issues and is set to start at left defensive tackle in the 49ers' Week 1 contest in Melbourne, Australia.

Romello Height

DE

Height was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice due to an ankle injury. The third-round rookie has overcome the issue and is all set to suit up for the 49ers' Week 1 contest with the Rams that will take place in Melbourne, Australia.

Renardo Green

CB

Green is all set to suit up for what will be a Friday (local time) game against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia. The cornerback has been dealing with a hamstring issue that limited him in practice as recently as Tuesday. Despite the recent issue, Green has been cleared of any injury designation and is ready to start opposite Deommodore Lenoir for Week 1.

Dre Greenlaw

LB

Greenlaw dealt with Achilles discomfort earlier in the week, which caused him to be limited in Tuesday's session. The starting weakside linebacker has gotten over the trouble and is all set to suit up for Thursday's divisional clash with the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Kyle Juszczyk

FB

Juszczyk was a limited participant in Tuesday's session as he dealt with the finger issue he sustained in early August. The fullback is healthy and all set to block for Christian McCaffrey in the Week 1 divisional showdown with the Rams taking place in Melbourne, Australia.