{
  "id": 3368650,
  "title": "The 49ers head into final preseason week with several players hurt but expected back soon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/the-49ers-head-into-final-preseason-week-with-several-players-hurt",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T22:53:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/08/25/the-49ers-head-into-final-preseason-week-with-several-players-hurt-but-expected-back-soon"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The San Francisco 49ers concluded their final practice before the exhibition finale, with numerous injured players absent but hopeful for their return. The team anticipates most players will be ready to practice next week ahead of their season opener in Australia.\n\nThe 49ers will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas on Thursday night, followed by three days of rest. They will resume practice on Monday, the day after the roster is trimmed from 90 to 53 players, and will have three more practice sessions before departing for Australia on September 2.\n\nCoach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism about the potential return of star defensive end Nick Bosa, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last season. Bosa has been limited to individual drills and only recently began working out again. Receiver Mike Evans (groin), cornerback Upton Stout (hip flexor), and Jacob Cowing (groin) are also expected to return next week.\n\nThe main position battle remains at left guard, where rookie Carver Willis and second-year player Connor Colby are vying for the starting spot. However, most starters will sit out the game against the Raiders. Calf injury concerns persist for Robert Jones and knee issues for Austen Pleasants, who could still be part of the starting lineup next week.\n\nQuarterback Kurtis Rourke suffered three broken ribs in the exhibition opener but may be ready to return to practice next week. Shanahan also mentioned several players who could be candidates for the Injured Reserve list, including receiver Christian Kirk, who has not practiced since injuring his calf in training camp.\n\nThe 49ers can designate two players to go on Injured Reserve during roster cutdown, with the ability to return after four weeks. With roster cutdown day occurring earlier this season due to the Australia opener, Shanahan highlighted the challenge of predicting players' health status in the first four weeks of the season.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}