The San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 training camp has been going on for weeks. Thursday provided the new-look group an opportunity to line up against new faces as it was their first joint practice.
Slated to host the Denver Broncos in their season debut on Saturday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hosted Sean Payton’s team Thursday in Santa Clara.
After spending extensive time competing internally, players enjoy the competitive spirit of lining up against opponents.
And with San Francisco expected to heavily rely on rookie talent, it’s especially valuable as a ramp-up to their NFL debuts.
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“I think it’s just taking that next step into what real football is,” veteran linebacker Fred Warner told reporters after practice.
“You’re going against a new team. Like I said, you’re not going full to the ground, but that intensity level continues to rise, and you can feel that.”
“I think it’s just taking that next step into what real football is. You’re going against a new team. Like I said, you’re not going full to the ground, but that intensity level continues to rise, and you can feel that. Obviously, you bring that every single day as much as you can, but it’s different when there’s another team out there. I’m sure the young guys feel that, and you’ve got to be on it. You’ve got to be on it every single play. You can’t afford to take a day off or have a day where you take a step back. You’ve got to continue to progress. We’re going to need every single day leading up to game one.”
Fred Warner on the value of joint practices for rookies
Warner, like many of the Niners’ captains, emphasized the importance of a day-by-day mentality for the young players, being resilient through mistakes with a relentless work ethic.
The four-time All-Pro LB also acknowledged that with youth comes mistakes. It’s part of the process.
“I think young players are going to be young and they’re going to make those mistakes that young players make,” Warner said
“You truly just want to see if you do make a mistake, are you able to correct that and keep moving forward? You’re obviously going to make a new mistake the next day, probably, but then can you correct that and keep going? And through the mess, can you still show the style that we want our guys to play with? That’s the key for all our young players. To continue to correct the mistakes every single day and keep showing up and showing why you deserve to be out there and be a 49er.”
As you can see, Warner’s leadership could go a long way in their development as well.
San Francisco hosting also allowed for some early reunions with former 49ers Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, DJ Jones, and Mike McGlinchey.
But that also meant a high-level defense for their offense to get practice reps against. Christian McCaffrey said he was “feeling great” after the day.
“It’s good to see where you’re at against another team,” he said of the joint practice. “It’s always good to get different looks.”
Saturday, the two squads will face off at Levi’s Stadium for their preseason debuts. Shanahan said he expects to play some of the starters, but not for an extended run.
“We won’t play a ton of them,” he said. “That doesn’t mean that we’ll rest all 22, but we don’t expect to see a lot out there.”
More battles for starting spots, the preseason has added intrigue for the 49ers headed into 2025. Plus, it’ll be the first time rookies suit up in Red and Gold.
More San Francisco 49ers coverage on Sactown Sports
The San Francisco 49ers dramatically reworked their defense this offseason. Dre Greelaw and Talanoa Hufanga are Broncos. Javon Hargrave is in Minnesota, and Charvarius Ward made his way to Indianapolis.
Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who spent the last three-plus seasons as head coach of the Jets, has returned to the Bay Area.
General manager John Lynch spent their first five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft on defensive talents, and some are expected to make a notable impact for Saleh in year one.
Read More:
Robert Saleh expresses optimism in 49ers rookies: ‘We love this rookie class’
Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule
Preseason
Tuesday, July 15th – Start of training camp (Rookies)
Saturday, August 9th – vs. Denver Broncos – 5:30 PM PT
Saturday, August 16th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 1:00 PM PT
Saturday, August 23rd – vs. Los Angeles Chargers – 5:30 PM PT
Regular Season
Sunday, September 7th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:05 PM PT *Season opener*
Sunday, September 14th – @ New Orleans Saints – 10:00 AM PT
Sunday, September 21st – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:25 PM PT
Sunday, September 28th – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:05 PM PT
Thursday, October 2nd – @ Los Angeles Rams – 5:15 PM PT
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