The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their first week of the preseason, losing 30-7 to the Denver Broncos on Saturday in a game where nearly every projected starter did not play.<\/p>\n
Instead, injuries were a theme from the game, as the 49ers were hit at positions like wide receiver and running back, forcing them to reunite with a familiar face.<\/p>\n
Now, they\u2019re heading into Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, with a joint practice scheduled for Thursday, as they hope to get more players back in action with the season nearing closer and closer. Nonetheless, it seems like another week of many backups playing, which would give the 49ers another chance to look at some of their younger players.<\/p>\n
The 49ers\u2019 roster has been infused with young talent this offseason, with rookies like Mykel Williams, Upton Stout, and potentially even Marques Sigle pushing for Week 1 starting jobs. Other younger players, such as cornerback Renardo Green and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, are looking to make the next step in 2025 as they ascend into bigger roles.<\/p>\n
Looking at the present and the future, where do the 49ers stand heading into 2025?<\/p>\n
Earlier on Monday, ESPN\u2019s Louis Riddick, Ben Solak, Seth Walder, and Aaron Schatz looked at every NFL team and ranked them by future power rankings, primarily looking at which teams will be among the league\u2019s best over the next three seasons.<\/p>\n
The 49ers were ranked No. 9, earning an 83.5 grade to land them in the \u2018very good\u2019 category. The biggest reason for their high ranking? The 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts, where San Francisco replenished its young talent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a strong coaching staff and a track record of getting great play out of their rookie contract picks, the 49ers still have a rosy future despite the roster reload,\u201d Solak wrote. \u201cJust how good they are down the stretch will come down to these past two draft classes, from which many players have been thrust into starting roles.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, their biggest reason for concern in 2025 is one that was exacerbated this weekend: the wide receiver position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was worried about the wide receivers room a year ago, and that continues to be the case, with Brandon Aiyuk coming off a torn ACL and roster turnover (Deebo Samuel now in Washington),\u201d Riddick said. \u201cBut the defensive line, what was once the heartbeat of this team, has had to be rebuilt and restocked. Yes, they still have Nick Bosa, but he is surrounded by three rookie linemen. Coordinator Robert Saleh returns in 2025 to get these new\/young prospects up to speed quickly and improve a defense that finished 29th in points allowed (25.6) in 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking at the wide receiver room, the 49ers will be without Brandon Aiyuk for likely one-third of the year, if not more. Head coach Kyle Shanahan pointed to Week 6 as a realistic return date for the star wideout, while noting the recovery can be fluid, giving a wider scope between Weeks 5-10 as the potential options.<\/p>\n
On top of that, Jauan Jennings has been dealing with a calf issue, while also looking for a new contract. Free agent signee Demarcus Robinson is expected to receive a suspension to start the year. Ricky Pearsall has looked good in training camp, but nursed a hamstring injury this offseason, which has popped up in the past.<\/p>\n
And, most recently, rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who has been one of the more impressive first-year pros for San Francisco, will be sidelined for approximately the next month after suffering a high-ankle sprain this weekend.<\/p>\n
There is quite a bit to figure out with the wide receiver room, with recent free agent signees Andy Isabella and Equanimeous St. Brown getting released after facing injuries.<\/p>\n
On the defensive line side, the 49ers have quite a few questions, both with their depth and top-end talent. Unlike in years past, San Francisco doesn\u2019t have many established options up front at defensive tackle. Rookies C.J. West and Alfred Collins could be tasked with playing early roles, but it\u2019s been a quieter camp for the latter since being drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
On the edges, Mykel Williams is currently dealing with an injury, but will likely get a starter\u2019s load to begin the season. There is a lot depending on younger players in that room from top to bottom, which makes the group a question mark to begin the year.<\/p>\n