Week of May 11, 2026
6 stories
Season recap, May 11 - 17, 2026: the biggest stories of the week, curated from the original reporting. Not a complete daily record.
NBC Sports Bay AreaArticle
The full schedule dropped May 14, opening with the Sept. 10 game against the Rams in Melbourne before three straight home games against the Dolphins, Cardinals and Broncos. San Francisco's first true road game comes in Week 5 at the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks, with a Week 8 bye, a Week 11 Sunday night game against the Vikings in Mexico City, and a closing stretch of Chiefs, Eagles and Cardinals. The slate includes five prime-time games and will make the 49ers the most traveled team in the league.
Sports IllustratedArticle
SI's recap of the two-day rookie camp noted that Stribling looked big, fast and built like a veteran, and that he took reps as a gunner on punt coverage, a likely early path to playing time. Romello Height warmed up with the defensive ends and practiced with his hand in the dirt, pointing to a situational pass-rush role rather than a starting spot. The draft picks did not take part in 7-on-7 drills, and the 49ers appear set to stick with their 4-3 wide-nine front.
NBC SportsArticle
The Rams will host the Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 2, giving Los Angeles the extra recovery day after the Melbourne trip. Shanahan had hoped his team would get the Monday night slot coming off the 19-hour trip and had aired his grievances about the Australia game at the March league meetings. Only one of the two teams could receive the extra day, and the league gave it to the Rams.
49ers.comArticle
The team announced May 15 the return of its Faithful Invasions fan rallies and international takeovers for the 2026 season. The tour spans Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, New York and both international stops, including the Week 1 Faithful Takeover in Melbourne and a Mexico City takeover around the Week 11 game against the Vikings. The Week 10 game in Dallas will be San Francisco's first regular-season trip there since 2020.
Pro Football RumorsArticle
John Lynch said a training camp return for Williams remains the expectation as he recovers from the ACL and meniscus tears suffered in Week 9 of his rookie season. Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported Williams is on course to participate in at least part of camp, though it is unclear if he will be ready for the opener. He could begin camp on the active PUP list, which could lead to a reserve PUP designation and at least a four-game absence, with Nick Bosa ahead of him on a similar timeline.
49ers WebzoneArticle
The 49ers are projected to travel 38,105 miles in 2026, per Bookies.com via ESPN's Adam Schefter, easily topping the Rams' 34,847 and setting an NFL record. The two international games drive the total, with the Melbourne opener accounting for nearly 16,000 air miles and Mexico City adding roughly 3,800. Shanahan joked about the trip, saying the goal was to go 19 hours away to play a game, and he sees little benefit for the team.
