Santa Clara – The 49ers returned to the practice field for OTAs today, and the energy around the facility was impossible to ignore. Like kids in a candy store, players appeared eager and excited to begin preparations for the upcoming season.
With several new additions and one of the younger rosters the organization has had in recent years, there is already optimism surrounding the team heading into training camp. The 49ers added offensive depth this offseason with players such as Kaelon Black at running back, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, and Christian Kirk, among others.
Evans, a decorated veteran and likely future Hall of Famer, did not participate in OTA activities but was present at the facility earlier this week. Star running back Christian McCaffrey spoke highly of Evans and the leadership and experience he brings to the offense.
“I’m excited to play with him. He’s such a presence. He has every attribute you’d want in a receiver,” said McCaffrey. “It’s no shock to see him as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, and it’s really cool to have him on our team.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with the media following practice:
You guys added a bunch of explosive playmakers. Looking for more explosives in the pass game, what’d you think of them today at practice?
“I thought they’ve had two good days. I never try to look into it too much. I mean, we’re just trying to get the guys out there, get them introduced to the offense and stuff and got through two healthy days, which is the biggest goal and thought we were better today than yesterday.”
Aside from that, what is your goal with this week of OTAs, next week of OTAs and then the mandatory minicamp?
“To not get anyone hurt and find any way to get better with everything we do. There’s a lot of things at this time of year that I always feel in order to get better at football, the true way, you’ve got to practice football full speed. And we’re working through a lot of that stuff right now where you learn how to do that. There are certain things with rules and things with safety that we can’t fully go by. So, our whole goal is to get as much out of this as we can while still protecting everyone.”
WR Ricky Pearsall, WR Jacob Cowing and WR Jordan Watkins were at it again. I mean, you last saw them really quick last offseason, they all got hurt. Have you seen improvement in their game other than them just simply being healthy?
“Yeah, definitely. I mean, Ricky, we got to see throughout the year battling his injuries. Jordan and Jake, we didn’t get to see quite as much of. They all came back healthy. I was really excited how Jordan and Jake came back though, you could tell they came back, it wasn’t just healthy. You could tell they’ve been putting work in and coming in here in shape and stuff has allowed them to get farther ahead in these five weeks than just coming here to get shape. They’ve come here to play and work.”
How are DL Nick Bosa, DL Mykel Williams and DL Keion White coming along?
“They’re coming along. They’re all in their rehab with a number of other guys. A couple of those guys will have a chance at training camp, and we’ll see it with Mykel as it goes.”
Dre Greenlaw returned to the 49ers roster after spending one season away from the team. Greenlaw tested free agency last offseason and signed with the Denver Broncos, but injuries slowed his time in Denver before he was released in March 2026 in a salary cap move. Just days later, the veteran linebacker reunited with the team that drafted him.
Holding a football and smiling as he stepped to the podium, Greenlaw spoke with the media following practice despite not participating on the field. His return brings veteran leadership and familiarity back to the 49ers defense as the team begins offseason workouts.
