Appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, Shanahan said “I know there’s a chance to” Kittle playing in the season opener on September 10, where the 49ers will play the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Shanahan also stated that Kittle is working hard in his rehab. He suffered the injury on January 11th, in the Wild Card round against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kittle is 32 years old, but he is as productive as ever.

Shanahan cherishes Kittle for many reasons

Not only is Kittle a role model, with no off-field issues, but he is also an incredible football players. Kittle, as a tight end, is a superstar. He catches the ball as good as anyone, and he is arguably one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.

Hence, Shanahan loves having him. He sees Kittle as a leader of men, but also as a guy that can help both in the passing game, and in the running game. Shanahan is a run-game savant, so having an elite blocker like Kittle is music to his ears.

The 49ers suffered way too many injuries in 2025

The 49ers saw Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Kittle get season-ending injuries, with Bosa and Williams suffering ACL tears. Fred Warner also suffered a significant ankle injury. Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, Yetur Gross-Matos, all were sidelined for weeks too.

Even players who were relevant all season long, like Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings, played under a plethora of injuries. McCaffrey’s injuries were more of a wear-and-tear matter, while Jennings played games while having broken ribs. The team hopes 2026 brings a bit more health to their roster.

By trading out of the first round, the 49ers went from six to eight picks. Per Shanahan, “That’s kind of what we were hoping for,” as he told Rich Eisen. “Our first goal was that the guy we wanted would fall to 27, but we got our second goal, and that was to trade back twice, accumulate some more picks, and still get the guy.

The 49ers ended up picking wideout De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd pick. According to Shanahan, they would’ve drafted him at 30. Stribling was projected as a third-rounder. Therefore, it was an eye-opening statement that they were even willing to pick him at 30.

De’Zhaun Stribling’s profile

A five-year College Football player, Stribling is a big, tall player that has a great straight-line speed, as his 4.36-second 40-yard dash showed. He is a great vertical threat. Stribling also has great hands, but he has a very specific skill set. He goes deep, that’s it.

Stribling doesn’t have great release or change of directions. However, given that the 49ers have people like Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall on the roster, what they lack is a true vertical threat, the rest is covered. Hence, it was mostly the fact that they could fill a hole on the roster by picking Stribling.

The 49ers projected offensive lineup in 2026

The offensive line will be spearheaded by left tackle Trent Williams joined by guards Robert Jones and Dominick Puni, center Jake Brendel, and right tackle Colton McKivitz. They will be in charge of pass protection and run blocking. As for Stribling, he’s not expected to be a starter.

QB- Brock Purdy
RB- Christian McCaffrey
TE- George Kittle*
LWR- Mike Evans
RWR- Ricky Pearsall
SWR- Christian Kirk

*Nursing injury.

Per Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Shanahan was fully expecting on receiving calls for Mac Jones and was surprised that those didn’t happen. He then reported that Shanahan expects Jones to be back with the team for next season after no business was made.

Jones played a key role last season when Brock Purdy got injured. As the backup quarterback, Jones entered the mix and delivered. Jones started eight games and had a 5-3 record. He completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Shanahan should’ve tried to keep the 49ers first-rounder

San Francisco had the 27th pick but traded down to the 30th with the Dolphins, who also gave the 90th pick. Then, they traded that 30th pick with the Jets for pick no.33 and a fifth-rounder (179). Hence, no picks were made in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

However, was this wise? The 49ers had two glaring holes to address. They need a wide receiver more, and they need offensive line help. By trading down, they allowed the Jets to take one of the wideouts on the board. Also, at this point, no top-tier linemen remains. It might have been a costly mistake.

49ers GM Lynch explained the reasoning behind the trades

John Lynch stated, “Now, I will tell you we don’t have a ton of picks in this draft, so it does make some sense to where, ‘How can we find some more picks?’ And we’ll certainly be open to that.” Now, having more picks doesn’t translate to having better players.

That’s the challenge now. The 49ers need to show more capital means a better roster. It’s usually in round 1 where you find those immediate gamechangers. This doesn’t mean that you can’t find them later, but it’s way, way tougher.

A few days ago, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that he “didn’t see any pro” in traveling to Australia for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. According to the coach, it is a “fact” that the Rams lobbied for the game to be held in Melbourne specifically to avoid a “Niners invasion” of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Now, Roger Goodell has stepped in to defend the league’s decision. Speaking from Melbourne on Friday, the Commissioner emphasized that the game in Australia is a vital part of the NFL’s international growth strategy and noted that Shanahan’s primary focus should remain on winning the match.

“Coaches have a focus on winning, that’s their number one job,” Goodell said, via ESPN Australia. “Coach Shanahan is enthusiastic and a great football coach and also someone who truly understands the importance of expanding our game globally. But his job is to win. I always like to say that coaches like to play at [1 p.m.] and [4 p.m.] and don’t get in the way of that.”

Roger Goodell has key advice for Kyle Shanahan

The 49ers are clearly at odds with the league’s scheduling office. In addition to their trip to Australia, they are also slated to play in Mexico City later this season. Star tight end George Kittle expressed his frustration on social media with a simple “Woof,” highlighting the unprecedented travel demands of the 2026 schedule.

Despite the team’s concerns over grueling travel and jet lag, Roger Goodell believes NFL franchises are well-equipped to handle the logistics. The Commissioner even joked that he would advise Kyle Shanahan to download a specific jet-lag app he uses, claiming his own 15-hour flight to Melbourne was “relatively easy.”

“I have an app for [Shanahan], which I’m going to send to him,” Goodell added. “My wife hooked me up with an app, and I got to tell you, I feel great. I have not felt any jet lag at all. We’ve been here since Tuesday morning and I thought it was a relatively easy trip.”

Against the Rams in Australia, but who will the 49ers face in Mexico?

The Rams and 49ers will reignite their NFC West rivalry in Melbourne for a historic Week 1 opener on Thursday night, September 10 (Friday morning local time). However, San Francisco is also set to serve as the “home” team for a second international game at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.

While the opponent has not been officially confirmed, rumors suggest the 49ers will face the Miami Dolphins on November 22. Although the Denver Broncos were initially considered, reports indicate the league opted against that matchup due to the similar high-altitude advantages both teams share, potentially favoring the Dolphins for a more “neutral” international spectacle.

Australia will serve as the “home” venue for the Rams’ Week 1 matchup against San Francisco. This marks a grueling international schedule for the 49ers, who are expected to make two major trips outside the United States this year—a logistical nightmare that has already drawn the public frustration of star tight end George Kittle.

While it is rare to see a divisional rivalry played abroad, Shanahan believes there was a specific motive behind the pairing. He recently claimed the Rams lobbied the NFL to move the game to Melbourne specifically to prevent a 49ers “takeover” at SoFi Stadium, where San Francisco fans often outnumber the home crowd.

“I’m pretty sure the Rams lobbied for that game,” Packers HC Matt LaFleur said about the Rams vs. 49ers game in Australia in a joint conference with Shanahan. “I know for a fact they did,” Shanahan said. “That’s what’s so bothersome.”

Los Angeles’ home-field advantage problem

As of 2026, the Rams and the Chargers continue to share SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for both franchises, establishing a consistent home-field advantage remains a significant challenge compared to other NFL markets.

During high-profile matchups at SoFi, both the Rams and Chargers have frequently struggled with low “home” attendance. Opposing fanbases—particularly the 49ers’ loyals—often flood the stands, creating a hostile environment that makes the Rams and Chargers feel like the visiting teams in their own building.

“That would suck to have to do silent cadence and to have our home game at their stadium,” Kyle Shanahan said. “So I get their ambitions, but they were rewarded that. So I’m just hoping we can get our request, too. I’d love them to come to Mexico.”

Who are the 49ers facing in Mexico City?

The 49ers’ international tour doesn’t end in Australia; they are also slated to host a game in Mexico City later in the 2026 season. While the official date at Estadio Banorte has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest the opponent has already been narrowed down.

According to league rumors, the 49ers rejected a potential matchup against the Denver Broncos to avoid giving a high-altitude advantage to the AFC West club. Instead, the Miami Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunners to face San Francisco in the Mexico City showcase.

“Don’t have date,” the head coach said from the league meetings on Monday, via Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “Eventually will resolve itself. Hopefully we can get something for it. We’re in no rush. We have to do what’s right for the 49ers.”

After suffering a serious injury, the wide receiver spent almost the entire last season on the PUP list. While a trade might be ideal, the San Francisco 49ers are still looking to finalize a deal that works for all parties.

The turning point in Aiyuk’s career

Brandon Aiyuk has not played a single snap for the 49ers since October 20, 2024, following a devastating knee injury during a Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The All-Pro wideout suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, a brutal setback that not only ended his 2024 campaign but ultimately sidelined him for the entire 2025 season due to a stagnant rehabilitation process.

Now, in March 2026, Aiyuk remains in a “messy divorce” with the franchise; after the team voided his contract guarantees last year due to issues with his rehab efforts, he has spent nearly a year and a half away from the field, leaving his future in the NFL—and his health status—as one of the league’s most uncertain storylines.

Options in the 49ers receiving corps

Kyle Shanahan is leaning into a revamped wide receiver corps to maintain the 49ers’ offensive dominance in 2026. At the top of the depth chart, the arrival of veteran superstar Mike Evans provides a massive, reliable target in the red zone that the system has lacked, while Christian Kirk offers elite versatility as a premier route-runner from the slot.

Complementing the veterans is Ricky Pearsall, who has seen his role expand significantly after a promising 2025 campaign, giving Shanahan a trio that balances raw size, tactical speed, and sophisticated separation skills as the team moves past the Aiyuk era.

“No updates from me,” the head coach said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “I actually stay pretty much out of that. I know John and everyone is working hard to do that. I believe we will get that done. We love Trent too much and eventually that will work out.”

Rumors about a potential trade or even releasing Williams have been swirling in recent days. However, in the Bay, optimism remains that they can continue counting on one of their best offensive linemen.

Where does Williams stand with the 49ers today?

Trent Williams and the 49ers remain in a high-stakes contract standoff. The team recently declined a $10 million option bonus, a tactical move that stripped Williams of his remaining guarantees while skyrocketing his 2026 cap hit to nearly $47 million.

The 49ers are aiming to restructure the 37-year-old’s contract before next month’s NFL Draft to lower his cap impact and secure the veteran tackle for their upcoming Super Bowl push.

Trent Williams’ impact on the 49ers

In Kyle Shanahan’s sophisticated outside-zone scheme, Trent Williams serves as the vital engine that powers the entire offensive line. His unique combination of massive size and elite athleticism allows him to reach the second level of defenders with ease, creating massive lanes for the 49ers’ running game.

During the 2025 season, Williams remained a dominant force in the Bay Area, earning an impressive 91.5 overall grade. Despite being 37 years old, he started 16 games and allowed only 4 sacks and 32 total pressures across nearly 600 pass-blocking snaps.

His performance earned him his 12th consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the All-Pro Second Team, proving he is still the gold standard for left tackles in the NFL.

The list of names was extensive and filled with stars. Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Trent Williams were out at various points during the schedule, and that proved impossible to overcome in the postseason.

Now, heading into 2026, a new challenge looms for the 49ers in their quest to win the Super Bowl. In a historic development, the NFL has confirmed another international game for San Francisco, something that could cause significant wear and tear.

How many international games will 49ers play in 2026?

The 49ers will play two international games during the 2026 season. It had already been officially announced that they will face the Rams in Australia, and now the NFL has confirmed that they will also play in Mexico City against an opponent yet to be determined.

When will the 49ers play in Mexico?

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to play in Mexico in November 2026, although the official date will not be known until the NFL releases the schedule in May. They will be the home team at Estadio Banorte.

49ers opponents for 2026 season

The 49ers’ home opponents for the 2026 season are the Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Eagles, Raiders, Commanders, Vikings, and Dolphins. With the exception of Los Angeles, all are possible opponents for the game in Mexico City.

The away opponents will be the Arizona Cardinals, Rams (Melbourne), Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Chargers, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons.

Additionally, ESPN insider John Sutcliffe has reported that the 49ers will play in Mexico City. That would mean they would have two games abroad in what would be a historic situation.

“The San Francisco 49ers are the team that will play at Azteca Stadium in the 2026 season. It’s the 49ers. I can confirm that. We have to remember that the 49ers are also playing in Australia, but they have done a lot of marketing in Mexico, looking to recapture the Joe Montana and Steve Young eras.”

Will the 49ers play in Mexico City during 2026 season?

Yes. John Sutcliffe mentioned that it is a fact that the 49ers will go to Mexico and that the only thing left to determine is the opponent. “The opponent is still to be determined. Who do they play at home this season? Arizona, Rams, Seattle, Eagles, Commanders, Denver, Raiders, Dolphins, and Vikings. What I can confirm to you, 49ers fan, is that they are coming back to Mexico. They will be the home team at Azteca Stadium.”

Can an NFL team play two international games in the same season?

Yes. An NFL team can play two international games in the same season. This already happened in 2025 when the Minnesota Vikings played against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin and the following week faced the Browns in London.

49ers’ disadvantage against NFC West and Super Bowl champions

The big problem is that, unlike the Vikings, the 49ers’ travel distances would be much longer to Australia and Mexico. That could be a major disadvantage in the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC West, considering the strength of teams like the Rams and the Seahawks, the recent Super Bowl champions.

What is this whole story about? The quarterback himself, now in the Bay Area, revealed that back in 2021, Kyle Shanahan had shown specific interest in bringing the former Alabama Crimson Tide player to the team.

“Kyle and I, we just have a great relationship, and he wanted me to be here with him when I was coming out of the draft,“ Jones said on the “Monday Mornings with Mitch” podcast. “Obviously, it went in different ways, but that’s what it’s all about — reconnecting with people that either see value in you or whatnot.”

He also added: “Just hearing the stories about Kyle and how he sees the run game and the pass game and running the team meetings, and it was just interesting. And finally, I got to see it this year, and that was just awesome.”

Ultimately, Shanahan finally saw his wish come true after the 49ers signed Jones to a two-year, $7 million contract to serve as Brock Purdy’s backup. Will Jones and the head coach continue working side by side for some more time?

Jones delivered solid performances in the Bay

During the 2025 NFL season, Mac Jones stepped up as a vital insurance policy for the San Francisco 49ers, taking over the starting role for eight games while Brock Purdy sidelined with a lingering turf toe injury.

Jones proved highly efficient in Kyle Shanahan’s system, finishing the regular season with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions across 11 total appearances. He posted a career-high 69.6% completion percentage and a solid 97.4 passer rating, leading the team to a 5–3 record in his starts.

His performance was highlighted by a 342-yard game against the Rams and a nearly perfect outing against the Giants, effectively “steadying the ship” and ensuring the 49ers remained top contenders in the NFC before Purdy’s return late in the season.

“It’s funny how it works. I didn’t play great football the first few years of my career, and then I came here to San Francisco, and I learned a ton,” Darnold said while recalling that phase of his career with Shanahan‘s 49ers in 2023, when he appeared in 10 games and threw two touchdowns and one interception.

Despite his limited action at quarterback in San Francisco, Darnold said his understanding of the game grew significantly while learning the system. “Because of that year in San Francisco, I was able to learn a ton. Learned from Brock Purdy and coach Shanahan.”

Purdy unlocked some of Darnold’s potential

Darnold went on to explain how that short time alongside Purdy helped him “unlock” his potential, or at least part of it, allowing him to become the high-level quarterback he is today. “I really thank Brock… Brock Purdy a ton,” Darnold said.

Darnold’s season was strong once again, surpassing 4,000 passing yards for a second straight year (4,048 in 2025 and 4,319 in 2024 with the Vikings). He also threw 25 touchdowns, 10 fewer than the previous season, but it was enough to lead the Seahawks to Super Bowl LX and win it.

After his time in San Francisco ended, Darnold used what he learned to succeed with two different teams. “And I was able to kind of learn and go to Minnesota and play good football there. I was able to come to Seattle and do the same. So, it’s funny how things work, but that’s life. I’m gonna continue to keep working.”