Why 49ers Appear To Be Driving Off The Cliff Entering 2026 Season

The San Francisco 49ers enter the upcoming regular season with expectations to remain competitive within arguably the best division in football while battling early injuries, older franchise mainstays returning from surgeries, and, most recently, off-field news involving the team’s owner. 

That doesn’t seem to be a recipe for success, and Colin Cowherd agrees. During Monday’s edition of The Herd, Cowherd questioned whether San Francisco can maintain its position among the elite teams in the conference.

“I tend to think the Niners are very close to pulling a Thelma and Louise and driving off the cliff here,” Cowherd said, comparing the 49ers to the hit ’90s movie.

On paper, the 49ers have reloaded with talent. They signed star wide receiver Mike Evans to beef up their wide receiver room and brought back Dre Greenlaw to solidify what they have at linebacker. 

However, tight end George Kittle continues working back from Achilles surgery with a chance to play in Week 1, and running back Christian McCaffrey remains on a planned load management schedule during practice reps. 

With that in mind, Cowherd pointed out that age and recovery timelines across essential positions present distinct hurdles for San Francisco when compared to younger rosters across the league. The roster remains heavily reliant on a core group of established veterans, several of which are returning from surgical procedures.

Christian McCaffrey continues to manage his workload at practice coming off a 2025 season where he led the NFL with 413 total touches for 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns.(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“This is an old, old team, oldest roster in the NFL, and almost all their old guys are coming off serious surgeries,” Cowherd said. “They are really dependent on five older players: Trent Williams, left tackle, he’s 38. Kittle, going to be a hall of farmer, coming off surgery. Nick Bosa, coming off his second surgery. Christian McCaffrey led the NFL in touches. Mike Evans, who is often banged up, though I love him and Fred Warner off a surgery as well.”

San Francisco’s depth issues have been compounded by injuries to recent high draft selections.

“Don’t forget their last two first-round picks: Ricky Pearsall, out for the year, injured. … Mykel Williams, who is a great young talent, he’s banged up and won’t be there for Week 1,” Cowherd added. “They are hanging on by peptides and a prayer.”

Compared to the recent success NFC West rivals the Seahawks and Rams have had in the draft, the Niners will have their work cut out for them.

“The Seahawks and the Rams have drafted so brilliantly over the last three years, very few misses. … Those are four games the Niners go in as an underdog,” Cowherd said.

San Francisco receives early scheduling relief to begin the regular season. Following their trip to Australia, the team returns home for consecutive games against the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals before entering a more challenging stretch that includes matchups against the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.

Despite the favorable early home slate, Cowherd expressed skepticism regarding San Francisco’s postseason prospects over a full 17-game schedule.

“I don’t think they’re a playoff team,” Cowherd said. “I love the coach. I love McCaffrey. I love the organization. I think they’re heading right for a cliff.”