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49ers Coach Shanahan Injured in Palo Alto Crash, Misses Camp

7/29/2026

42 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Shanahan Injured

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he looked down, causing his car to hit a Mercedes in a July 14 crash in Palo Alto, California, taking responsibility.
Shanahan suffered a concussion, broken nose, three ribs and 40 stitches.
49ers GM John Lynch said Shanahan will follow concussion protocol and miss camp.
Assistant coach Chris Foerster is handling duties as Shanahan hopes to return for the Sept 10, 2026 Melbourne opener despite fatigue.

Summary

Martinez Flags Citations

Lt. Nicolas Martinez said officers can choose to cite drivers after a crash and often do not.
A clerical error listed the other driver as at fault in the crash database, while the CHP report recorded Shanahan’s phone-holding violation (Vehicle Code 23123.5(a), $20 fine) with no citation.
Legal analyst Steven Clark said citations are advisory for insurance, not criminal prosecution, noting police found no drugs, alcohol, or citations for drivers.

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Shanahan Injured

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he looked down, causing his car to hit a Mercedes in a July 14 crash in Palo Alto, California, taking responsibility.
Shanahan suffered a concussion, broken nose, three ribs and 40 stitches.
49ers GM John Lynch said Shanahan will follow concussion protocol and miss camp.
Assistant coach Chris Foerster is handling duties as Shanahan hopes to return for the Sept 10, 2026 Melbourne opener despite fatigue.

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