The San Francisco 49ers wrap up their preseason on Saturday night with a home clash against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. After two exhibition losses and a flurry of injuries to rookies, starters and key depth players, the Niners are hoping this final tune-up sets them up for a healthier push into the regular season.
The team’s best news ahead of kickoff is relief: the core group of stars, who weren’t likely to play against Los Angeles anyway, is healthy heading into Week 1. The primary goal in this final preparation game is simple—get through Week 3 unscathed and build momentum for a regular-season opener that’s more than two weeks away in Seattle on Sept. 7.
How to watch
– TV: KPIX in the Bay Area
– Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
Kickoff time
Date: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 5:30 p.m. PT
Season outlook and what to watch
San Francisco heads into the finale with an eye toward staying healthy as they embark on a schedule that begins with back-to-back road games in Seattle and New Orleans. The game serves as a last chance for backups and depth players to claim spots and demonstrate they’re ready for regular-season duties.
Recent preseason results provide some context:
– Aug. 9: Broncos 30, 49ers 9
– Aug. 16: 49ers 22, Raiders 19
– Aug. 23: vs. Chargers
Regular-season schedule snapshot
The 49ers’ 2025 regular-season slate features trips to Seattle, New Orleans and beyond, with the usual mix of division games and cross-conference matchups that test the rotation everyone will lean on come September.
What this means for fans
– Health trumps all as San Francisco moves toward Week 1. A clean bill of health across key position groups would give the coaching staff clearer decisions on the final roster.
– Expect continued evaluation of depth players who could contribute during the regular season, especially on special teams and behind the starters on both sides of the ball.
– The final preseason game could offer a glimpse of the competition at backup quarterback, edge rusher depth, and the interior lines as coaches prepare for the grind of a 17-game slate.
Summary
The 49ers enter the preseason finale with injuries already shaping the discussion, but also with confidence that their core stars are on track for the start of the season. A healthy finish to the exhibition season would set the stage for a strong follow-through in September, as San Francisco looks to build on last year’s form and push toward a successful campaign. If the team stays healthy and players in the depth chart continue to improve, there is reason for optimism heading into a demanding early schedule.