The San Francisco 49ers released their first unofficial depth chart heading into Week 1 vs the Los Angeles Rams.
The San Francisco 49ers released their first unofficial depth chart
of the 2026 season ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. There are some notable decisions worth digging into, keep in mind the keyword is "unofficial".
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But even an unofficial depth chart tells you something about where Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers coaching staff are leaning as they prepare for an international opener. Here are five takeaways that stood out.
Connor Colby wins left guard job (for now)
The first thing that popped out: Connor Colby getting the start at left guard over rookie Carver Willis. Willis had a strong preseason, and I honestly thought he could have won the job, especially based on Shanahan's recent comments
following San Francisco's preseason finale. But it's understandable.
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Willis is a mid-round rookie who might need some more time to develop before the 49ers throw him into the fire. Colby should be a safe option at left guard, although you never really know. That position has been something of a debacle for them throughout the preseason.
George Kittle and Nick Bosa listed as starters
Both George Kittle
and Nick Bosa remain up in the air health-wise, but I find it notable that San Francisco listed both as starters on this depth chart. We will have to wait and see what happens with both of them, and it could come down to a game-time decision.
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They are making the trip to Australia, though, and there's a real chance they suit up. That's a big deal for a 49ers team that could use both of them on the field in Week 1.
Jacob Cowing brings fireworks on special teams
Jacob Cowing is listed as the starting punt returner and is also working at kick return alongside Deebo Samuel. Cowing had an amazing preseason return touchdown against the Chargers and really popped off the tape in that area.
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The 49ers
trusted him enough to make the initial 53-man roster, and hopefully expect to see some fireworks from him on special teams against the Rams. The special teams value is what ultimately led them to keeping Cowing on the squad.
Rookie Kaelon Black earns RB2 role over Jordan James
I hinted at this when the 49ers released their 53-man roster, but now it's official on the depth chart. Rookie running back Kaelon Black is listed as the No. 2 behind Christian McCaffrey, ahead of second-year back Jordan James.
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I would expect Black to see a decent amount of playing time in the Week 1 game against the Rams, and I'm excited that the rookie is going to get some early reps. The 49ers clearly trust him to be that No. 2 back already.
Now, this could change down the line. James dealt with a rib injury in the preseason, and we don't know if he's fully healthy or how the coaching staff views the two relative to each other. But as of now, San Francisco is rolling with Black as its second running back.
Don't worry about De'Zhaun Stribling
This isn't a huge revelation, but it's worth pointing out. The 49ers only listed two starting receivers: Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel. They have fullback Kyle Juszczyk on the depth chart as well, and he's obviously going to play.
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But here's the thing: De'Zhaun Stribling is going to be a starter for this team. Stribling had the best preseason of any 49er
and one of the best in the league. He's been one of the biggest risers among rookies throughout the preseason and training camp.
Stribling will be out there in three-receiver sets. I would expect to see him over Samuel at times, but it is interesting that the 49ers listed Samuel first. I wonder who will really have a higher snap count in the Week 1 opener. Don't let the depth chart fool you. Stribling is going to get plenty of run against Los Angeles.
The 49ers are scheduled to make their departure for Melbourne tonight, giving them a solid acclimation period. Week 1 is so close and for San Francisco, a division game out of the country will provide lots of opportunity. Especially for these young players who seem to be stepping into big roles early in their careers.
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This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Five key takeaways from San Francisco 49ers' first unofficial depth chart ahead of Week 1 opener vs. Los Angeles Rams in Australia
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