The San Francisco 49ers made sweeping changes to their roster this offseason. While the additions of wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk generated most of the headlines, the team also focused on strengthening its defense.
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards recently identified each NFC team's biggest roster hole heading into training camp, noting that San Francisco's biggest challenge in 2026 may simply be staying healthy enough to contend.
Several of the 49ers' biggest stars are coming off significant injuries. Defensive ends Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are recovering from ACL tears, tight end George Kittle is returning from a torn Achilles suffered during the playoffs, and linebacker Fred Warner is back after a dislocated and fractured right ankle.
Running back Christian McCaffrey played all 17 games last season, but missed 13 contests during the 2024 campaign.
Edwards believes the 49ers are well-positioned for a deep playoff run if their core players can remain healthy throughout the 2026 season.
Some would consider San Francisco's pass rush or interior offensive line as its biggest roster weakness. Instead, Edwards singled out the defensive tackle position. The 49ers have invested heavily in rebuilding the interior defensive line, selecting Alfred Collins and CJ West in the 2025 NFL Draft, adding Gracen Halton this year, and trading for veteran Osa Odighizuwa.
"If one position has to be singled out, it would be the defensive line," Edwards wrote. "Osa Odighizuwa brings stability to the unit, but others on rookie contracts need to take the next step in their careers."
Along the offensive line, there is an unsettled competition at left guard and an aging Jake Brendel at center. However, Edwards views that position group as less of a concern for one key reason: head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"The interior offensive line remains a point of contention between myself and 49ers fans," Edwards noted. "Although the collection is not all that exhilarating, Kyle Shanahan has proven that he can win [with whomever] he opens with in training camp."
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