West hyperextended his knee in a one-on-one drill, with Shanahan upbeat about the prognosis and a hope that history won’t repeat itself after Mykel Williams’ knee issue last week. West is expected to miss the upcoming Raiders game, but the bigger fantasy note is how two rookies in the 49ers’ revamped defensive line could miss significant camp reps. If both sit longer than a week, expect graver early-season rotations and more workload for veterans or other youngsters. The Broncos’ joint practice and the Raiders preseason clash amplify the stakes: every rep matters for West, Williams, and the young D-line. For fantasy managers, monitoring practice updates and snap counts in the next week will be essential, as any extended absence could shift defensive line roles and IDP targets in Week 1.

In this context, the 49ers’ depth on the interior is under the spotlight. West has shown flashes in camp, and Williams was drawing praise before the injury flared. The team’s aim is to avoid rushing them back and risk a longer-term setback, but the longer they’re out, the more opportunities open for other linemen to seize early-season roles. The takeaway: track the timeline closely, as even short-term absences could tilt early-season usage and fantasy upside for SF defenders and occasional fantasy streaming options in the 49ers’ defensive front.

San Francisco’s preseason opener offered a clear snapshot of the 49ers’ rookie class in flux. Thirteen of the original seventeen rookies played, delivering a spectrum of outcomes from incomplete to standout. Mykel Williams was inactive with a knee issue, leaving edge-rep opportunities thin early. Alfred Collins and Nick Martin struggled to impact the game, while Upton Stout and Jordan Watkins flashed the most upside. Watkins snagged three of six targets for 56 yards, highlighted by a 50-yard grab that underscored potential early playing time. Contenders like Connor Colby flashed steady progress in pass protection, Junior Bergen provided a spark on special teams, and Marques Sigle looked the part of a developing starter in the secondary depth chart. The takeaway for fantasy: Watkins could press for early involvement, Kiner’s vision and stroke give him a roster case, and the 49ers’ late-rounds and undrafted group showed enough in flashes to keep a few on the radar for practice squads or later-season roles.

Other notes: Jordan James’ injury-impacted return suggests the depth at running back will be tested, while Kurtis Rourke remains on the non-football injury list, delaying a potential rookie quarterback path. CJ West’s nickel corner role remains a focal point as the defense builds interior pressure and coverage flexibility. In total, SF’s rookie performance laid a foundation of intrigue—enough to keep fantasy managers watching the next exhibition for real clues on playing time, role definition, and depth-chart movement as Week 1 approaches.

Denver and San Francisco collide in a preseason showcase that doubles as a fantasy predictor. Bo Nix and a shorthanded Broncos offense are expected to lean on two-way rookies and depth pieces as they test schemes against San Francisco’s rotation. San Francisco won’t ride its veteran starters heavily, instead leaning on rookies and depth players, with Mykel Williams, Corey Kiner and Jakob Robinson among the players set to push for roles. Ricky Pearsall could emerge as a sleeper, while Denver’s depth pieces look to prove themselves for the regular-season depth chart.

Key fantasy takeaways hinge on workloads rather than traditional box-score lines. Nix’s ceiling remains tied to playmakers stepping up, Pearsall’s connection potential, and the SF rookies seizing backups’ opportunities. The absence or limited participation of stars like McCaffrey, Purdy, and Bosa amplifies the value of depth players who could become week-to-week flex plays or dynasty adds. Monitor rookies on both sides who could move into real-season roles if opportunities arise in this game.

The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their training camp with an intriguing glimpse at their early defensive depth chart. The first practice showcased some noteworthy position battles, particularly on the defensive line. Defensive end Nick Bosa, who was absent from team drills, is expected to secure one of the starting roles, with Mykel Williams and Sam Okuayinonu stepping up to fill the void.

Okuayinonu's initial first-team reps signal a promising chance for him to solidify his place on the roster, especially after recording three sacks last season. The defensive line's success will heavily rely on these early drills, as the 49ers look to optimize their defensive strategy for the upcoming season.

The San Francisco 49ers are under pressure as they prepare for the 2024 and 2025 NFL drafts, aiming to break their disappointing trend in first-round picks since Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch took charge in 2017. With only two of the seven eligible first-round selections since 2017 receiving second contracts, the stakes are high for incoming rookies Ricky Pearsall and Mykel Williams.

Both players must step up to bolster a roster that has struggled to find consistent talent in its early draft selections. Pearsall, expected to fill a crucial void left by Deebo Samuel's trade, will need to prove his worth as a top receiving option. Meanwhile, Williams is anticipated to shore up a weak defensive line, especially alongside Nick Bosa. The success of these players could be pivotal for the 49ers as they aim to return to championship contention.