The 2026 NFL preseason is in the books, and the San Francisco 49ers finished their exhibition schedule with an 18-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, the focus shifts to the regular season, with San Francisco set to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in Week 1.
Before that trip, however, the 49ers' top decision-makers will work to trim the roster to 53 players. The deadline to finalize the initial roster is Sunday at 3 p.m. PT.
Shanahan was asked about turning the page after the preseason and what he is looking forward to next.
"I'm looking forward to figuring out exactly our final team here over these next three days," Shanahan shared. "We've got a lot of tough decisions. They're not easy ones. I want to see how the practice squad pans out and really what our opening-day roster is going to be.
"And then, I just like when the season starts. I mean, preseason gets a little bit old, and I like when it gets real. And it's going to get real, real fast."
The 49ers have dealt with several injuries throughout training camp. Fortunately, few are considered long-term concerns. Still, having so many players sidelined could complicate the team's roster decisions heading into Sunday's deadline.
"There's just guys that are going to be close, guys like Kittle," Shanahan said. "I want to see how Bosa does in these practices and stuff. So there are guys who are healthy and doing good, but are they ready to get back and play right away?"
Injuries could also complicate decisions about which players travel to face the Rams.
"And that's why we have these mandatory three days off right now," Shanahan continued. "But when we get back, we have those two and a half days before we get on the plane. In those two and a half days, we'll see our practice schedule. We'll at least get two big ones in, maybe a possible third. But I'm really curious to how it goes those three days before we go down there."
Shanahan also discussed opening the season overseas against a longtime NFC West rival. Unfortunately, the game in Australia is considered a home game for the Rams, taking away one of the 49ers' biggest advantages when the teams meet.
The 49ers' fanbase regularly takes over SoFi Stadium when San Francisco faces the Rams in Southern California, something that won't be possible this season.
"I wish we played them here for what we usually look at as a home game, but we'll see how it is in Australia," Shanahan said.
The coach has repeatedly made it clear that he is not fond of the decision to play a regular-season game in Australia, primarily because of the complicated travel logistics. Still, the 49ers have little choice but to deal with the schedule they've been given.
"So, we'll play the Rams wherever," Shanahan said. "Going there, it is what it is, but it's going to be a fun atmosphere. And always when we play the Rams, it's a big, tough game, so looking forward to it."
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