Overview

• Robert Saleh returns as defensive coordinator to overhaul a unit that finished 29th in scoring defense last season.
• First-rounder Mykel Williams is set to start at defensive end with potential interior pass-rush snaps, with safety Marques Sigle, nickel back Upton Stout, tackles Alfred Collins and C.J. West, and linebacker Nick Martin all in line for roles.
• At least five rookies are trending toward significant defensive snaps, according to reporting from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
• Saleh cautioned that young players will have growing pains and emphasized coaching through mistakes, while veterans Nick Bosa and Fred Warner noted a fresh energy and a challenging Week 1 test against Klint Kubiak’s misdirection-heavy Seahawks offense.
• Receiver Jauan Jennings returned to limited practice and is expected to play, and Deommodore Lenoir joined the 2025 captain group in place of traded wideout Deebo Samuel.