San Francisco’s preseason opener vs. Denver yielded a 30-9 setback, but the real headlines were the cluster of injuries and how quickly the 49ers’ depth will be tested. Key youngsters exited (Bethune, Sigle, Abdullah, Beal Jr.) with a mix of ankle, knee, rib, and groin issues, while Western Kentucky rookie Upton Stout and Mykel Williams joined the casualty list. Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized cautious handling, with timelines pegged to next week’s joint practice against the Raiders. San Francisco hopes several returning players (Cowing, Renardo Green) clear workouts soon to rejoin practices. The situation will shape practice reps and potential Week 1 depth, especially at linebacker, safety and edge. Fans will be watching how quickly the squad recovers and who steps up in the interim.

Upton Stout, a rookie cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, continues to impress during practice sessions, showcasing his skills in a recent one-on-one drill against Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin. Despite standing at just 5-8 and weighing 181 pounds, Stout's physicality and tenacity shone through when he successfully intercepted a pass intended for Franklin. The play highlighted Stout's ability to stay close to his opponent, jumping the route effectively when Franklin stumbled.

This standout performance not only underscores Stout's growing confidence but also his capability to compete at a high level, raising expectations for his contributions to the 49ers' defense this season.

The San Francisco 49ers made significant strides in the 2025 NFL Draft, acquiring 11 new players to bolster their roster. Among these selections, defensive end Mykel Williams is projected to step into a starting role, significantly enhancing the team’s run defense. Alfred Collins, selected in the second round, is poised to add depth to the defensive line. Linebacker Nick Martin, a third-round pick, has a chance to secure the Will linebacker position, while Upton Stout, drafted as a cornerback in the same round, could play a vital role in the slot. Players like Jordan Watkins and Marques Sigle will compete for positions in a crowded receiving corps and secondary respectively, while running back Jordan James could emerge as a dependable option behind Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers also secured valuable depth with several late-round selections, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke and offensive lineman Connor Colby, setting the stage for an exciting training camp.

The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft with a keen focus on bolstering their struggling defense. After finishing in the bottom third of the league in points and yards allowed, the Falcons are projected to prioritize defensive talent in their five picks. NFL.com’s latest mock draft suggests they will select Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 15th overall pick. Campbell's versatility, speed, and past performance at Alabama, including impressive stats like 55 solo tackles and 5 sacks last season, make him a top choice. In the second round, they are expected to select Georgia center Jared Wilson, potentially filling the void left by Drew Dalman and providing a Day 1 starter for the offensive line. Later picks include defensive options to deepen their roster, such as Cal safety Craig Woodson and Western Kentucky cornerback Upton Stout, who could contribute significantly to both defense and special teams. Additionally, Maryland wide receiver Kaden Prather may add depth to the receiving corps.