SEO Title: San Francisco 49ers Training Camp 2025: Saleh Returns, McCaffrey Healthy
SEO Description: The 49ers enter 2025 camp with Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator, Christian McCaffrey cleared for work and questions at wide receiver.
The San Francisco 49ers will open training camp with major defensive turnover, a healthy Christian McCaffrey and a new contract question surrounding leading wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Rookies are due July 15 and veterans report July 22 at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, California.
49ers enter camp with defensive rebuild and receiver uncertainty
Robert Saleh is back in San Francisco as defensive coordinator after four seasons as head coach of the New York Jets. His return comes after a sharp decline in one key defensive measure: the 49ers finished eighth in the NFL in yards allowed last season, but ranked 29th in points surrendered.
That differs from Saleh’s previous final season with the club in 2020, when San Francisco placed fifth in total defense and 17th in scoring defense. The unit has also lost several established contributors, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
Saleh still inherits cornerstone players in edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, but he must quickly integrate new pieces. Former Jets pass rusher Bryce Huff arrives after a difficult 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. First-round pick Mykel Williams, selected 11th overall, is expected to have an immediate role.
Williams could be one of three rookies opening the season in the starting lineup, alongside defensive tackle Alfred Collins and linebacker Nick Martin. The need for improvement up front is clear after the 49ers recorded 37 sacks in 2024, tied for 23rd in the league.
What changed for the franchise
McCaffrey is expected to participate fully after injuries limited him to four games in 2024. He missed training camp last summer with Achilles and calf trouble, then sat out the first eight games of the regular season. His year ended after he suffered a PCL injury.
The 29-year-old running back has said he is healthy following the PCL issue and worked without restrictions during offseason practices. Still, availability will remain a focus after the third injury-shortened season of his eight-year NFL career in which he played seven games or fewer.
San Francisco’s record illustrates McCaffrey’s importance since his trade from the Carolina Panthers. The 49ers are 23-8 when he plays and 8-12 when he does not. He is scheduled to face Carolina for the first time as a 49er in Week 12.
The wide receiver group has become another major camp storyline. Jennings reportedly is unhappy with the two-year, $15.39 million deal he signed in spring 2024. The issue surfaced after the club reached major new agreements with quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle and Warner.
Jennings emerged as San Francisco’s top target last season and is positioned for a similarly prominent role, but the uncertainty arrives at a thin point for the position. Deebo Samuel was traded to Washington, while Brandon Aiyuk continues his recovery from the knee injury he sustained in 2024.
Ricky Pearsall, the club’s 2024 first-round selection, enters a pivotal second camp with an expanded opportunity available. Veteran Demarcus Robinson, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, second-year receiver Jacob Cowing and rookies Jordan Watkins and Junior Bergen will compete for offensive snaps and roster spots.
San Francisco’s late-season schedule may offer a favorable runway, as none of its final eight opponents reached the 2024 playoffs.
Next kickoff
The 49ers begin preseason play at home against the Denver Broncos at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 9.
- Aug. 9: Broncos at 49ers, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Aug. 16: 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders, 4 p.m. ET
- Aug. 23: Los Angeles Chargers at 49ers, 8:30 p.m. ET
