Week of September 28, 2026
4 stories
Season recap, September 28 - October 4, 2026: the biggest stories of the week, curated from the original reporting. Not a complete daily record.
NBC SportsArticle
Brock Purdy threw a 56-yard touchdown to George Kittle with 2:15 remaining to break open a tight 17-14 game and lift the 49ers past Denver 24-14 at Levi's Stadium. Purdy finished 19 of 30 for 218 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and no turnovers, and the offensive line did not allow a sack for the fourth straight game. A third-quarter fumble by Broncos punt returner Marvin Mims Jr. set up a 1-yard Purdy touchdown to Deebo Samuel that gave San Francisco the lead for good.
NBC SportsArticle
The win over Denver marked Kyle Shanahan's 95th victory as 49ers head coach and moved him past Bill Walsh for the most games coached in franchise history. The milestone came in a milestone kind of win, with the defense holding Denver scoreless through nearly three quarters of a 3-3 first half. Shanahan has now kept the 49ers undefeated through four weeks despite a mounting injury list.
HeavyArticle
With the receiver room decimated, the 49ers promoted veteran Brandin Cooks from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on October 1, ahead of the Broncos game. San Francisco also signed Malik Turner to the practice squad and released receiver and special teams contributor KhaDarel Hodge. Cooks, signed to the practice squad on September 22, gave Purdy another option with Mike Evans a game-time decision and three other receivers already out.
Athlon SportsArticle
Mike Evans, listed as questionable with a strained rib after leaving the Cardinals game, suited up against Denver and caught five passes for 76 yards. Nick Bosa was ruled out for a second consecutive game with a calf injury, while defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. and edge rusher Mykel Williams were also out. Trent Williams played after his stinger scare the week before.
