Inside: Kyle Shanahan was in a serious car accident a couple weeks ago. Plus: where star free-agent receivers should land, along with early camp takeaways, including Aaron Donald’s status. Let’s start in San Francisco.
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Shanahan recovering from accident
On July 14, not far from his home in Northern California, Kyle Shanahan’s vehicle collided with an SUV. No one has been cited, and drugs and alcohol are not believed to be involved, according to the police report.
Shanahan broke his hand, nose and three ribs, and his face needed over 40 stitches. He’s also still showing concussion symptoms, and was limited when the 49ers’ training camp opened.
“Kyle basically is going to be in the (concussion) protocol,” said general manager John Lynch. “We’re going to let the condition, the doctors, dictate how he comes back, when he comes back.”
We’re glad it sounds like Shanahan will be OK. Still, it’s bizarre that this happened to the coach of the 49ers, given his team’s ever-present injury woes.
Meanwhile, the opening of training camp means it’s time to check in on other injured 49ers:
In yesterday’s first practice, receiver Christian Kirk exited with an undisclosed injury. But otherwise, many key 49ers have returned to the practice field.
Nick Bosa “looks better than he did last year,” according to the newly 38-year-old Trent Williams, with the edge rusher practicing for the first time since an ACL tear last September. Linebacker Fred Warner is also back from a brutal ankle injury, armed with newfound purpose.
The star duo returns to a team that somehow went 7-3 in their absence last season (and 12-5 overall). They’re scheduled to play in Australia (!) against the Super Bowl-favorite Rams in Week 1.
Training Camp Notes
All 32 teams begin training camp by tomorrow, though some (like the 49ers) got an early start. A few things we’ve learned so far:
Seahawks first-round running back Jadarian Price is impressing, breaking long runs and showing an explosiveness that eases concerns over the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.
Receiver Kayshon Boutte has been the Patriots‘ best offensive player, per Chad Graff. The three-year vet, who skipped voluntary spring practices, is playing for a contract extension.
In L.A., it’s all about the possible return of Rams legend Aaron Donald. “He is putting himself in a position to make a decision, and he’s earned the right,” said coach Sean McVay. “He’s going through a very strict regimen and process that is similar to when he played, to see how his body responds.”
It was a devastating start to camp for the Panthers, who lost pass rusher Nic Scourton to an ACL tear. The 2025 second-rounder was expected to start across from newly acquired edge Jaelan Phillips.
The Cardinals‘ most notable update: the one-year deal signed by 33-year-old Jacoby Brissett. Their starting quarterback can now earn up to $21 million. (Fun fact: He’s tied with Aaron Rodgers for the lowest career interception percentage among all qualifying QBs in NFL history.)
Speaking of signings, plenty of quarterbacks are hoping their teams add these guys …
Landing spots for big-name vets
I can’t picture Keenan Allen in anything but Chargers colors. Even the photos of him in Chicago feel wrong. Alas, the 34-year-old is again a free agent, and this time he could land … with the Saints?
Yup, New Orleans is the best destination, per Daniel Popper’s story on ideal fits for free-agent veteran receivers. Why the Saints? Daniel lists two key reasons:
Coach Kellen Moore was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2023, when Allen had one of the best years of his career.
The Saints lack experienced receivers behind Chris Olave, and Allen would offer sophomore QB Tyler Shough another veteran presence.
Allen can still play, having led the Chargers in receptions (81) and finishing with 777 yards in 2025.
As for other fits, Stefon Diggs can reunite with Kevin Stefanski, giving Atlanta a possession receiver next to Drake London. And how about Deebo Samuel with the Rams? The full story explains them all.
Extra Points
😬 Tony Romo arrested Thursday in Milwaukee on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
📉 Diego Pavia released by the Ravens before training camp. The Heisman Trophy runner-up now faces an uphill battle to make an NFL roster. History suggests he won’t.
👀 Brandon Aiyuk saga. The 49ers are yet to release the 28-year-old receiver, who spent the summer criticizing his team. Matt Barrows explains why.
📓 The story of Mike McCarthy. This was an unexpected look into the joy, pain and childhood of the Pittsburgh native who is now leading his hometown team. I enjoyed it.
▶️ Most-clicked: Details on the ESPN layoffs that made headlines last week.
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