Injuries Piling Up As First Preseason Game Looms

The San Francisco 49ers launched into the 2025 NFL training camp with high hopes for the upcoming season. But as practices ramp up at Levi’s Stadium, the focus has shifted from perfecting plays to managing an unsettling wave of injuries. From early camp casualties to unexpected setbacks, the injury report has grown longer than any fan or coach would like. For a team looking to stay competitive in a stacked NFC, this is far from an ideal beginning.

San Francisco 49ers: A Growing Injury List

Isaac Guerendo’s Setback

One of the more notable names on the injury report is second-year running back Isaac Guerendo. After flashing potential during his rookie year, Guerendo’s momentum has been abruptly halted by a shoulder injury sustained during training camp. Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that the injury will keep Guerendo sidelined for “a few weeks,” leaving a significant gap in the running back rotation heading into preseason action.

The San Francisco 49ers have long relied on their depth at running back, and losing Guerendo—even temporarily—puts more pressure on the rest of the crew to carry the load. With his ability to be both a downhill runner and a pass-catching threat, Guerendo’s absence may force the team to reevaluate long-term depth options in the backfield.

Kyle Juszczyk’s Day-to-Day Status

Of all offensive players in the San Francisco 49ers’ arsenal, fullback Kyle Juszczyk is arguably one of the most unique and important. He’s the glue in Shanahan’s intricate offensive scheme, serving as a lead blocker, key pass-catcher, and occasional playmaker.

Juszczyk left practice early after his Achilles was accidentally stepped on, leading to a cut that Shanahan labeled as “day-to-day.” While this injury seems relatively minor, any absence—even short-term—for Juszczyk impacts the rhythm of the offense. His leadership and versatility are not easily replaced, and with preseason preparations underway, his presence on the field is critical.

Defensive Troubles Continue

The bad news doesn’t stop on the offensive side of the ball. Shanahan confirmed that defensive tackle Kevin Givens will miss significant time due to a pectoral injury. He’s not expected to return until “sometime during the season,” which forces significant adjustments along the defensive line. Givens’ role as a dependable interior lineman will be tough to replace, especially during the grind of preseason practices where rotations are constantly evaluated.

Joining Givens on the injury list is defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, who’s dealing with a groin injury that will likely sideline him for a couple of weeks. These setbacks come as the team looks to refine its defensive front, potentially shifting roles and giving lesser-known players opportunities to step up.

Ongoing Concerns for Ji’Ayir Brown

Safety Ji’Ayir Brown, who underwent ankle surgery in the offseason, has seen his health concerns resurface during training camp. While Shanahan remains optimistic that Brown could return to practice this week, any lingering issues with his ankle raise red flags about his durability heading into the regular season.

Brown’s presence is essential in a secondary that thrives on versatility and depth. Seeing him sidelined this early is a concerning sign for a unit that often finds itself contending with tough matchups.

Jauan Jennings and Lingering Uncertainty For The San Francisco 49ers

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has also been conspicuously absent due to a calf injury, further clouding the 49ers’ offensive outlook. Setbacks during his contract year only add complexity to the situation. Jennings’ physical playstyle and strong performances in clutch moments have made him a fan favorite, but he’ll need to get healthy to earn himself a new deal and contribute this season.

What This Means for the 49ers

How Injuries Disrupt Momentum

Preparation is everything during training camp. It’s a time for gelling as a team, experimenting with new formations, and building the foundation for a successful season. Injuries, especially to key players, disrupt these rhythms and force the coaching staff to adjust on the fly.

The San Francisco 49ers are known for their deep roster and ability to plug gaps when necessary, but even for a team as well-prepared as Shanahan’s squad, this many injuries in such a short span is a cause for concern. With some players expected to miss preseason games, the coaching staff will have fewer opportunities to evaluate talent and fine-tune their game plan.

Opportunity for Emerging Talent

Amid the gloom, there’s a silver lining—injuries create opportunities for younger players and camp standouts to shine. Whether it’s an undrafted free agent stepping into the spotlight or a depth player proving their worth, these moments can unearth hidden gems and strengthen the overall roster.

For instance, rookies and backups stepping in for Guerendo, Juszczyk, and Givens will gain valuable experience and a chance to prove they can handle NFL-level competition. Camp injuries, while unfortunate, often shape the final roster by revealing who can rise to the occasion.

Long-Term Implications

While some of these injuries seem minor, others, like Givens’ pectoral issue, may bleed into the regular season, testing the 49ers’ resolve. Depth is vital in a grueling 17-game NFL schedule, and this early stretch of setbacks serves as a wake-up call for the team to ensure they’re equipped to weather whatever the season throws at them.

The health of veterans like Juszczyk and Brown will also be crucial as the team establishes its identity during the season’s early weeks. Managing these injuries carefully during camp could determine how well-positioned the San Francisco 49ers are once the games start counting.

Final Thoughts

The San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 training camp has been anything but smooth, with injuries testing the depth and resilience of the roster. While setbacks to players like Isaac Guerendo, Kyle Juszczyk, and others present immediate challenges, they also highlight the importance of managing health and building depth throughout the roster.

For Kyle Shanahan and his staff, the focus shifts to healing, adapting, and finding ways to maintain momentum despite the early adversity. Training camp can make or break a season, and the 49ers know that how they respond to these challenges now could define their success in the months to come.

While fans may be frustrated by the latest string of injuries, the resilience that has defined this team in recent years offers hope. For the San Francisco 49ers, the season isn’t lost—it’s just off to a bumpy start.