With the San Francisco 49ers set to kick off their 2025 NFL preseason Sunday night against the Denver Broncos, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media in Santa Clara following Monday’s practice.
He discussed the decision to waive Greg Joseph, leaving Jake Moody as their lone kicker along with a lengthy injury update.
Plus, prior to their preseason matchup, the 49ers will begin joint practice with Denver this Thursday.
Shanahan acknowledged the value of combining teams as he coordinates with Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton to optimize their time together.
Jake Moody > Greg Joseph
Shanahan told reporters in Santa Clara that cutting Joseph was “more just the roster numbers.”
“I would’ve loved to keep him longer and allowed him to play that out longer,” he continued. But we had 13 guys out at practice today. We’ve got five guys on PUP. It’s just too many people to have that luxury.”
When further questioned if that meant Moody has earned the permanent spot, San Francisco’s head coach said, “Kickers always know they’re competing with whoever’s out there.”
So, while Moody may be their guy for now, the door remains open for a replacement should they not be satisfied with his production throughout the remainder of training camp and preseason.
As for how he’s produced so far, Coach said, “he is kicking the ball real well right now.”
“Moody’s got a lot of talent, and he’s been kicking the ball very well. Hopefully, that continues.”
Injury Updates
FB Kyle Jusczyk (Achilles) — DAY-TO-DAY — Shanahan: “Lyle got his Achilles stepped on, just cut it a little sore.”
DT Kevin Givens (Pectoral) — “OUT FOR A WHILE” — Shanahan: “Kevin Givens hurt his pec similar to last year, so he’s going to be out for a while. That would be sometime during the season.”
DL Sam Okauyinonu (Groin) — “A COUPLE WEEKS”
RB Isaac Guerendo (Shoulder) — “A FEW WEEKS”
DL Evan Anderson (Knee Bruise) — “ABOUT THIS WEEK” — Shanahan: “He’s got a knee bruise; those can get better in a day. Sometimes they take a week, so we’ve just got to see how that goes.”
S Ji’Ayir Brown (Ankle) — “JUST BEING SMART” — Shanahan: “Just the [ankle] that he got surgery on it this summer, just flared it up a little and we’re just being smart with him right now.”
WR Jauan Jennings (Calf) — “JUST BEING SMART” — Shanahan: “Same thing [as Brown], just with his calf.”
Shanahan also said, “they’re hoping” DL Yetur Gross-Matos and CB Renardo Green will return for their second preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Joint Practice with Denver
Thursday will mark San Francisco’s first joint practice, working with the Denver Broncos before hosting them in Sunday’s preseason debut.
Shanhanan spoke about the value of joint practices on Monday. “I think it’s really valuable,” he said.
“It’s always good to go against different schemes, different players. We’re going against each other every day. Same guys, same scheme. It gets a little bit old, and it’s a good way to switch it up.”
Of course, that means familiar faces Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga may be lined up on the other side. The 49ers’ head coach is looking forward to seeing them, but joked he doesn’t particularly enjoy going against them.
Coordinating with Denver head coach Sean Payton is part of the process, while they and San Francisco work together to aid one another in their ramp-up to the 2025 NFL season.
Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule
Preseason
Tuesday, July 15th – Start of training camp (Rookies)
Saturday, August 9th – vs. Denver Broncos – 5:30 PM PT
Saturday, August 16th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 1:00 PM PT
Saturday, August 23rd – vs. Los Angeles Chargers – 5:30 PM PT
Regular Season
Sunday, September 7th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:05 PM PT *Season opener*
Sunday, September 14th – @ New Orleans Saints – 10:00 AM PT
Sunday, September 21st – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:25 PM PT
Sunday, September 28th – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:05 PM PT
Thursday, October 2nd – @ Los Angeles Rams – 5:15 PM PT
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