Week 1 is finally upon us, as the San Francisco 49ers are taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 at Lumen Field, with kickoff set for 1:05 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
San Francisco has a new-look team heading into the season, with injury questions coming and going ahead of Week 1. Of course, the main headlines are currently around Christian McCaffrey, who popped up on the injury report with a calf injury on Thursday and was seen working to the side in uniform on Friday.
With younger guys in the fold and much to look forward to, let’s look at three players to watch for Week 1.
RB Christian McCaffrey
Given the news this week, McCaffrey, of course, has to make this list, assuming he’ll be a full-go for Week 1.
All offseason long, the storyline around the star running back has been how healthy he’s looked after playing in only four games last season due to Achilles tendonitis.
However, the running back reported soreness on Thursday and was a limited participant in practice with a calf issue after being a full-go on Wednesday.
Now, assuming he ultimately does play in Week 1, his movement and workload will be something to monitor. When on the field for the 49ers, McCaffrey has generally seen a lion’s share of the reps at running back, given his three-down ability and how he’s a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Against a tough Mike Macdonald defense, McCaffrey could be San Francisco’s biggest key to success. But, his health comes first, and that’s currently a question mark with an issue that has bothered him in the past.
WR Ricky Pearsall
After being drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s Ricky Pearsall’s time to shine.
The plan for Pearsall always seemed to be getting a bigger role in 2025, as the 49ers had Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings as their top wideouts to start the 2024 season. However, Aiyuk got injured with a torn ACL and MCL, while Samuel missed a few games as well, leading Pearsall to have a bigger-than-expected role.
After dealing with injuries and a shooting in the offseason, Pearsall had his own ups and downs, going through a six-game stretch with only 57 total receiving yards, but finishing the year strong with 14 catches, 210 yards, and two touchdowns over the final two games.
Now, he’s ready to assume a lead outside receiver role alongside Jauan Jennings, and could end up as San Francisco’s WR1 this season. Of course, that comes with bigger responsibilities as Pearsall will face a tough cornerback group this weekend.
So, he’ll be a player to watch for Week 1, as he and Brock Purdy look to get their connection on point to start the year.
CB Upton Stout
One of the certified rookie starters for the 49ers, Upton Stout could have a big challenge in the nickel in his NFL debut.
Seattle’s top two receivers (Jaxon Smith-Ngijba, Cooper Kupp) are arguably both their best when working from the slot, and Sam Darnold will likely try to target Stout in the passing game.
Stout will also have to fit well in the run game, which Seattle will likely try to open up more under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, so there will be quite a bit on his plate come Week 1.
Other rookies, such as Mykel Williams, could play a bigger role as well, but Stout’s performance will gauge his readiness as an early starter for the 49ers at cornerback.
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