Full Breakdown
Titans-49ers Joint Practice Turns Physical Ahead of Preseason Clash
8/12/2026, 11:33:09 AM
Core Event: Intense Scrimmage on August 11, 2026
The Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers met for a joint practice at the SAP Performance Facility on August 11, 2026. Within the first six to ten plays, multiple scuffles erupted, leading to at least three fights reported by some outlets and four fights noted by others. The altercations resulted in the ejection of two Titans—offensive tackles Dan Moore Jr. and Austin Deculus—and two unnamed 49ers players. The session also featured a dominant showing by the 49ers, with The Tennessean assigning a 70-30 advantage to their offense and a 60-40 edge to their defense.
Background & Context
Joint practices are a routine part of NFL training camps, allowing teams to gauge their units against high-quality opposition before the preseason begins. This was the first of three joint sessions the Titans will use to evaluate their roster against a top-tier opponent. Head coaches Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh have long emphasized a “no-punches” rule that results in immediate removal from practice.
Data & Statistics
- Reported fights: three (first six plays) vs. four (first ten minutes).
- Players ejected: two Titans (Dan Moore Jr., Austin Deculus) and two 49ers (unnamed).
- Scoring grades (The Tennessean): 49ers offense 70, Titans offense 30; 49ers defense 60, Titans defense 40.
- Notable defensive plays: Osa Odighizuwa grabbed Cam Ward’s jersey; safety Ji’Ayir Brown intercepted a Ward pass.
- Offensive highlights: Brock Purdy connected on a deep touchdown to De’Zhaun Stribling; Cam Ward threw a touchdown to Calvin Ridley.
Official Statements & Responses
Kyle Shanahan reiterated the team’s zero-tolerance policy for punching, explaining that a player who throws a punch loses the day’s reps and may affect his standing. Defensive leader Fred Warner described the early scuffles as “fiery business” but emphasized that the 49ers found their groove after the initial chaos.
On-the-Ground Reports
Cam Ward demonstrated leadership by sprinting to defend rookie Carnell Tate after a hard hit from 49ers cornerback Renardo Green. Titans linebacker Fernando Carmona received praise for taking more snaps at right guard and making a strong impression.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of fights: Bleacher Report and The San Francisco Standard cite four fights within the first ten minutes, while NBC Sports and the San Francisco Standard report three fights in the first six plays. The identities of the two ejected 49ers players were not disclosed by any outlet.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we found our groove after some of that fiery business that was going on at the beginning,” — Fred Warner
- “It’s always going to get heated, but I thought both teams ended up conducting themselves the way they needed to,” — Robert Saleh, under head coach
