49ers vs. Titans: Game Time, TV, Injuries & Top NFL Storylines

The Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers meet in very different circumstances in one of the marquee Thursday matchups of 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1. The game will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, just two days after the teams held a joint practice that featured several altercations between players.

It is important to note that this game was not the opening game of Preseason Week 1. Six games were played Thursday, August 13, with the Green Bay Packers facing the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7 p.m. ET before the Titans and 49ers met at 9 p.m. ET.

Titans vs. 49ers Game Time and TV Coverage

The game takes place Thursday, August 13, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, equivalent to 6 p.m. local time in Santa Clara. Levi’s Stadium will host the matchup, with the San Francisco 49ers playing at home.

NFL Network will broadcast the game nationally as part of its Week 1 preseason coverage. NFL+ also offers out-of-market preseason games, although availability is subject to geographic restrictions and local blackout rules.

The 2026 preseason coverage plan also includes several digital viewing options. ESPN announced 12 additional games that can be watched through the ESPN App by ESPN Unlimited subscribers, while NFL Network will carry a number of live out-of-market games, along with replays of all 48 preseason games.

49ers Prepare to Evaluate Backups and New Players

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to rest most of their starters for the game, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. That puts greater importance on young and backup players seeking to prove themselves and compete for spots on the roster.

An open competition remains at left guard, where Robert Jones has received first-team opportunities while rookie Carver Willis continues to get work with the second team. Connor Colby, who opened training camp as the first-team left guard, moved down the depth chart after returning from concussion protocol.

The 49ers' secondary is also receiving particular attention, with Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green and Upton Stout among the returning starters, although the report indicated they might not play in the game. Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs, rookie Ephesians Prysock and Jakob Robinson are also among the defensive backs worth watching.

There was also a competition for the punter job between Corliss Waitman and Australian rookie Jack Bouwmeester, but that competition changed after Bouwmeester was waived Wednesday, August 12. Waitman became the only remaining punter, while Bouwmeester could potentially return if he clears waivers.

49ers Injuries and Nick Bosa's Status

The San Francisco 49ers enter the game with several injury questions. Nick Bosa, the team's star defensive end, was considered week-to-week with tendinitis in the same right knee where he previously suffered an ACL tear.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Bosa had missed five consecutive practices as of its August 12 report, with his last participation in any capacity coming on August 3. Kyle Shanahan described his absence as a precautionary measure related to issues that can occur during recovery from major ACL injuries.

The report also noted that the 49ers' top four running backs were dealing with injuries heading into the game. Rookie Kaelon Black, whom the team selected in the third round, was dealing with an adductor issue, while Jordan James had a broken rib.

Kyle Shanahan Returns as Robert Saleh Faces His Former Team

The game carries particular significance for head coach Kyle Shanahan, who planned to return to the sideline to lead the 49ers against Tennessee. His return comes after a serious car accident on July 14 that left him with a concussion, broken hand, broken nose and broken ribs, as well as a facial laceration that required 40 stitches.

Speaking about his condition before the game, Shanahan said, “I’m getting there,” while also confirming, “There’s no doubt I will be there.”

On the other side, the game marks a notable return to Santa Clara for Robert Saleh, who previously served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator. Saleh is now beginning his first season as the Tennessee Titans' head coach, making his matchup against his former team one of the major storylines surrounding the game.

Cam Ward and Carnell Tate in the Spotlight

Quarterback Cam Ward enters his second NFL season with the Tennessee Titans under a new coaching staff led by Robert Saleh, with Brian Daboll serving as offensive coordinator. The quarterback room also includes Mitchell Trubisky, Will Levis and Hendon Hooker.

Rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate is another player drawing significant attention. The Titans selected Tate No. 4 overall in the 2026 Draft, making him the first wide receiver taken in the draft. Tate was among the players expected to receive particular attention ahead of the matchup, while the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the 49ers' defense largely neutralized him during the teams' joint practice.

The game is also significant for Tennessee because of the major changes to its roster. The Titans entered 2026 training camp with eight draft picks and more than 30 new veteran players acquired through free agency, trades and waivers.

Heated Joint Practice Before the Game

The Levi’s Stadium matchup was not the teams' first meeting of the week. The Titans and 49ers held a joint practice at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara on Tuesday, August 11, two days before the preseason game.

The practice featured several altercations during 11-on-11 work, with six or more altercations reportedly taking place, along with punches and players being taken to the ground. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Shanahan said two players were ejected from the practice, although he expressed uncertainty about the exact number.

Players from both teams attempted to calm the situation. Fred Warner said, “We’re not trying to fight and do all this other stuff,” emphasizing that the goal was to play football and prevent tensions from escalating.

The joint practice adds important context to the game, particularly because it gave both coaching staffs an additional opportunity to evaluate players before the preseason matchup.

Written by shindy
Researcher and U.S. news enthusiast since 2011