2026 49ers Preseason Calendar: Key Dates To Mark

The 2026 offseason is winding down as the San Francisco 49ers prepare for training camp and a busy preseason schedule. The regular‑season opener is set for Sept. 10 in Melbourne, Australia, so the next few weeks will be crucial for roster battles. This guide highlights every important date, from rookie arrivals through final cuts, to help fans stay ahead of the action. Keep a calendar handy—nothing pops up faster than a surprise roster move in August.

July 18: Rookies Report

First‑year players will begin reporting to the 49ers facility on July 18, giving them an extra week to get ready for their NFL debut. Unlike veterans, the rookies won’t start padded practices until the rest of the squad arrives. This early arrival lets head coach Kyle Shanahan assess new talent in walkthroughs and drills. Fans can expect the first glimpses of the 2026 roster during these initial sessions.

July 25: Veterans Arrival

The non‑rookie portion of the 90‑man roster is set to report on July 25, marking the real start of camp intensity. Position battles that began in OTAs will now shift into live competition as players push for spots. A notable subplot involves Brandon Aiyuk, who could file for reinstatement and then appear at the facility. If that happens, the 49ers would likely release him the same day to keep their roster in compliance.

July 26: First Full‑Contact Practice

July 26 brings the 49ers’ first training‑camp practice open to the public, signaling the transition from walk‑throughs to full‑contact drills. After the mandatory non‑padded period ends, coaches will start evaluating where players stand in depth charts. The early practices give fans a taste of the competition that will shape the final roster. Over the next week, the team will work through the controlled environment before facing live opponents.

August 11: Joint Practice vs. Tennessee Titans

A joint practice against the Tennessee Titans on August 11 provides the 49ers’ staff with a high‑stakes preview of opponent tactics. Coach Kyle Shanahan values these sessions as opportunities to see players in competitive scenarios against a real NFL team. The scrimmage will highlight which players can excel under pressure and should help differentiate roster candidates. After weeks of internal work, this is one of the key moments for player evaluation.

August 13: Preseason Opener vs. Titans

The 49ers’ preseason schedule kicks off on August 13 with a home game against the Titans, set to start at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time. This marks the first time the team will face live competition on the field after camp rehearsals. The matchup also serves as a preview for the Titans under head coach Robert Saleh. The game will be the last preseason home contest until the regular season, making it a must‑watch for local fans.

August 18: Joint Practice vs. Los Angeles Chargers

A second joint practice, this time against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 18, may be the ultimate filter for the 49ers’ coaching staff. Facing a Jim Harbaugh‑led team adds another layer of realism to the evaluation process. These Southern California sessions often separate those who can handle the pressure from those who cannot. By the end of the week, the staff should have a clearer picture of who stays and who gets released.

August 30: Final Cutdown Day

August 30 is the final roster cutdown, with the majority of moves expected to cluster around the 3:00 p.m. Pacific deadline. The 49ers will have a few days after their preseason finale to trim the roster down to the 53‑man limit. This day typically brings the most high‑profile decisions as the team locks in its regular‑season roster. Fans should watch for any last‑minute trades or releases as the deadline approaches.

Keeping track of these dates will give you a front‑row seat to the 49ers’ journey from training camp to the regular season. Each event builds toward the September showdown in Melbourne, where the team will look to defend its Super Bowl hopes. Mark your calendars, and enjoy the action as the 2026 roster takes shape.