San Francisco is set to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, likely in Week 1. The 49ers will also host a game in Mexico City, currently projected for Week 13 or 14. Those matchups alone significantly increase the team's travel demands.
In total, the 49ers are expected to travel more than 38,100 miles during the 2026 season. That would easily surpass the previous record of approximately 37,000 miles, set by the 2015 Los Angeles Chargers and the 2016 Los Angeles Rams.
While acknowledging the challenges of a grueling schedule, general manager John Lynch views the two international games as an honor. It means his team features players who can help draw attention during these high-profile matchups.
Still, the travel burden is real. In a conversation with NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Lynch revealed that the NFL has assured the 49ers it will provide scheduling relief on the back end of the 2026 slate to help offset the strain.
"We've talked with the league, and the league has assured us they'll give us the grace in the back end," Lynch said. "Things that we're not going to go into, but in terms of scheduling, to help ease that burden."
Now, the focus shifts to finding ways to reduce the burden on players and ensure a healthier season than last year's injury-plagued campaign.
"We'll embrace it, make the most of it," Lynch added. "We'll be smart about the way we approach it."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why did the 49ers sign Dante Pettis? John Lynch explains
The San Francisco 49ers reunited with one of their former second-round draft picks this week, signing wide receiver Dante Pettis to the practice squad as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The move comes amid uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Mike Evans,... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses Mac Jones buzz and trade market plans
Significant chatter has surrounded San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, largely because of the injuries to starting quarterbacks around the NFL during the first two weeks of the season. Some have wondered whether other teams have called the 49ers about Jones, who played... -
49ers' John Lynch on chances Mike Evans plays vs. Broncos, Nick Bosa and Trent Williams updates
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is working through a rib injury he suffered Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. There is no guarantee that he will be healthy enough to suit up for this weekend's contest against the Denver Broncos, but the 49ers are hopeful. It... -
Will new 49ers WR Brandin Cooks play vs. Cardinals? John Lynch offers hints
The San Francisco 49ers recently signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the practice squad, allowing him to get up to speed with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Shanahan has already suggested that Cooks is unlikely to suit up for this weekend's game against the...