The San Francisco 49ers endured an injury-plagued 2025 season and are hoping for much better luck in 2026. Despite the rash of injuries, the team still won 12 games and reached the playoffs, but finished third in the NFC West behind the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.

Several key contributors are working their way back from significant injuries. Linebacker Fred Warner is reportedly fully healthy and expected to be ready for Week 1, when the 49ers open the season against the Rams in Australia.


Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently highlighted three other 49ers returning from major injuries, outlining the best- and worst-case scenarios for each player heading into the new season.

Defensive end Nick Bosa


Nick Bosa made headlines this week after he appeared to react on social media to ESPN parting ways with analyst Ryan Clark. Meanwhile, the star pass rusher remains focused on recovering from the torn ACL that limited him to just three games in 2025.

It was the second ACL injury of Bosa's NFL career.

Knox believes the best-case scenario is for Bosa to return to full strength early in training camp and quickly acclimate to new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' system.

"As a seven-year veteran, Bosa may not require live preseason reps to be ready for Week 1, but he'll likely want to participate in a couple of full-contact practices," Knox wrote. "Ideally, he'll be at full speed and in Pro Bowl form against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1."


The worst-case scenario is that Bosa's recovery progresses more slowly than expected, preventing him from being available for the season opener in Australia.

"He could miss another game or two, as well, but he'll be a year out from injury on September 21 and probably isn't a strong candidate for the physically unable to perform (PUP) list," Knox added.

Tight end George Kittle


George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during the 49ers' January 11 playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the injury occurred late in the season, the veteran tight end has repeatedly said his recovery is ahead of schedule and remains optimistic about playing in Week 1.

Knox is encouraged by Kittle's progress but believes the veteran should plan to sit out the season opener.

"A return sometime in the early part of the season—perhaps around San Francisco's home opener against the Miami Dolphins or later in September—is closer to his best-case scenario barring setbacks," Knox wrote.


"Even if Kittle does return by mid-September, he probably won't be at full speed until midseason or later."

In Knox's worst-case scenario, Kittle opens the season on the PUP list, forcing him to miss at least the first four games. Under that timeline, the 49ers would have up to nine weeks to open Kittle's 21-day practice window.

Defensive end Mykel Williams


Last year's first-round draft pick, Mykel Williams, also suffered a torn ACL, although his injury occurred later in the season, in Week 9. As a result, he is expected to trail Bosa in his recovery.

Knox's best-case scenario has Williams returning early in training camp and seeing preseason action.

"While San Francisco will certainly be cautious with his workload in an exhibition setting, getting Williams some live game reps ahead of Week 1 would be ideal," Knox wrote.


"If Bosa and Williams are both able to suit up in Week 1, San Francisco's pass rush will be significantly better than it was at the end of last season."

That timeline seems overly optimistic. The 49ers have been careful not to suggest that Williams is on track to be available for Week 1, indicating a more cautious approach to his recovery.

The worst-case scenario has Williams beginning the season on the PUP list. Even then, Knox believes the outlook remains encouraging.

"Given the timing of his injury (early November), it's unlikely that any absence will stretch deep into 2026," Knox noted.

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