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49ers Rout Chargers 41-17 in Preseason Opener

8/21/2026

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

49ers Beat Chargers

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 in Thursday night’s preseason game.
Quarterback Brock Purdy completed four of six passes for 29 yards in his first preseason snaps.
Wide receiver Jacob Cowing returned an 83-yard punt for a touchdown, giving San Francisco a 17-3 lead.
Chargers left tackle Branson Taylor was injured in the second quarter and did not return.

Summary

McCaffrey Misses Practice

Christian McCaffrey missed practice because of tightness, not a contract holdout, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.
His 2024 extension carries a $10.86 million cap hit this season and $26.41 million in 2027.
Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson recently signed contracts totaling $134.25 million, fueling pay speculation for McCaffrey.
Rookie Kaelon Black returned to practice after missing time with an adductor injury.

History

Historical Context

The NFL introduced a hard salary cap in 1994, set at $34.6 million after TV deals raised revenue, forcing teams like the Dallas Cowboys to curb overspending. Subsequent CBAs added a mandatory floor and periodic raises, so the cap reached $255.4 million by 2024, shaping roster moves for the 49ers, Chargers and coaches such as Kyle Shanahan.

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49ers Beat Chargers

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 in Thursday night’s preseason game.
Quarterback Brock Purdy completed four of six passes for 29 yards in his first preseason snaps.
Wide receiver Jacob Cowing returned an 83-yard punt for a touchdown, giving San Francisco a 17-3 lead.
Chargers left tackle Branson Taylor was injured in the second quarter and did not return.

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