Cowherd Warns 49ers' Aging Core Could Sink 2026 Season
Cowherd Warns 49ers' Aging Core Could Sink 2026 Season
Colin Cowherd cast doubt on the San Francisco 49ers' chances of remaining a contender in the NFC, telling viewers of Monday's edition of "The Herd" that the team is "very close to pulling a Thelma and Louise" as it heads into the 2026 season. The comment reflects growing concern over the 49ers' age and injury situation as they prepare to defend their standing in a crowded NFC West.
San Francisco enters the year with several core veterans working back from surgery. Tight end George Kittle is recovering from Achilles surgery but has a chance to play in Week 1, while running back Christian McCaffrey - who led the NFL in 2025 with 413 total touches, 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns - remains on a managed practice workload. Cowherd also cited left tackle Trent Williams, 38, along with pass rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, both coming off surgical procedures, as central to the team's injury concerns. Wide receiver Mike Evans, acquired to bolster the receiving corps, has a history of nagging injuries, according to Cowherd. live snooker betting
The 49ers also lost recent first-round investments to injury. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is out for the season, and edge rusher Mykel Williams will miss Week 1. Cowherd contrasted San Francisco's situation with divisional rivals Seattle and Los Angeles, saying the Seahawks and Rams have drafted effectively in recent years, giving both teams an edge entering head-to-head matchups. San Francisco did add veteran help this offseason, signing Evans and re-signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
The schedule offers the 49ers an early cushion. After an opening trip to Australia, San Francisco returns home for consecutive games against the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals before facing a tougher stretch that includes the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos. Cowherd said that favorable start does little to change his outlook for the full 17-game season. "I don't think they're a playoff team," he said, adding that he remains high on head coach Kyle Shanahan, McCaffrey and the organization overall despite his skepticism about where the roster is heading.
