49ers electric substation strikes again: Every injury suffered so far at controversial practice facility image
David Gonzales/Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The San Francisco 49ers enter another season dealing with a variety injuries, which has caused many to wonder what the team is doing differently than everyone else.
A popular theory from the past year involves the 49ers practice facility, which is located extremely close to an electric substation. While it is an unproven theory, the 49ers continued issues with soft tissue injuries have propelled it to the mainstream as many wonder why the team is always battling injuries.
With the 49ers hoping to make another deep playoff run, it is crucial for them to stay healthy throughout the year. Therefore, as long as players on the team get banged up, the substation theory will continue to pursist.
Here's a breakdown of the 49ers electric substation conspiracy.
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What is the 49ers electric substation conspiracy?
There is a theory that an electric substation near the 49ers' facility is part of the reason why San Francisco deals with injury issues every year. The theory came to public light in January, when wellness tech journalist Peter Cowan suggested that the low-frequency electromagnetic fields coming from the substation lead to soft-tissue injuries for football players, who are forced to make more cuts and blocks than the average person. It should be noted that there is no proven scientific theory supporting the idea that proximity to electric substations makes people more susceptible to injury.
The Silicon Valley Power Mission Substation is a frequent talking point among 49ers players, who have discussed the theory in their locker room. More players have begun to take the theory more seriously as they speak with their agents about it.
However, many experts in the field have shut down the theory as nothing more than a talking point, especially considering the 49ers have practiced near the substation long before the injury issues began.
MORE: Explaining the 49ers substation conspiracy theory
Where do 49ers practice?
The 49ers practice right next to their home at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, which is just north of San Jose. The facility also neighbors the Silicon Valley Power Mission Substation, along with being the Santa Clara Convention Center and an amusement park.
How close is practice facility to electric substation?
The 49ers practice directly next to the electric substation, which is why this conspiracy theory is so prevalent. The practice facility, Levi's Stadium and the electric substation are basically on the same block which, which has been the case for over a decade.
49ers injury report 2026
Overall, the 49ers put 11 players on injured reserve to open the season, which is a decent number considering no regular season games have occurred yet. Additionally, the team put two players on the PUP list, as Isaac Guerendo and Mykell Williams are still recovering from injuries they had entering training camp.
Among the notable players on IR is Ricky Pearsall, who suffered a PCL injury during the 2025 season and hoped to rehab in the offseason with the idea of playing in 2026. Instead, Pearsall couldn't shake the knee injury and needed to undergo season-ending surgery, delivering a crucial blow to the 49ers offense.
Early in training camp, new addition Christian Kirk suffered a calf strain and was sidelined for the remainder of the summer as he rehabbed the injury. San Francisco decided to put hi on injured reserve to open the season, which means he will miss at least the first four games to begin the year.
Here are all the players the 49ers placed on injured reserve to begin the season:
DL Andrew Farmer (undisclosed)
S Darrick Forrest (undisclosed)
CB Nate Hobbs (calf/groin)
DL Mikail Kamara (undisclosed)
WR Christian Kirk (calf)
LB Nick Martin (hamstring)
DL Sam Okuayinonu (foot)
WR Ricky Pearsall (knee surgery)
OL Austen Pleasants (knee
OL Brett Toth (concussion)
OL Nick Zakelj (undisclosed)
Additionally, the 49ers have a few players returning from injury who did not need an IR stay. Most notably is George Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles in January, and Nick Bosa, who tore his ACL early in the 2025 season.