49ers OTAs: Rookie Backs Shine and Linemen Battle as Bosa, Kittle Rehab

The San Francisco 49ers have officially launched their 2026 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Santa Clara, welcoming nearly the entire active roster back to the practice field. Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised the team's exceptionally high voluntary turnout, with superstar quarterback Brock Purdy leading the first-team offense and new free-agent acquisition Mike Evans briefly debuting before tending to family matters. The only notable absence from the field is future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams, who skipped the first week of voluntary drills but is fully expected to report to camp next week. With Christian McCaffrey heavily restricted to sideline observational work to manage his workload, and rookie backup Isaac Guerendo sidelined with a severe torn pectoral muscle, the 49ers' backfield depth was put to an immediate test.The early star of the week has been rookie running back Kaelon Black, who has stunned onlookers with his explosiveness and quick adaptation to Shanahan's complex outside-zone scheme. Black split first-team reps seamlessly with second-year back Jordan James, generating considerable buzz among the coaching staff. To solidify their sudden lack of depth behind the young standouts, the front office quickly adjusted by signing veterans Jordan Mims and Jermar Jefferson to the 90-man roster. The most critical position battle of the offseason is brewing on the interior offensive line, left entirely vacant after the departures of Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford. Right now, it is a three-way race to protect Purdy's blind side. Connor Colby the 2025 seventh-round pick has turned heads by displaying major physical progression. Teammates have noted that Colby looks "rejuvenated" and is playing much faster now that he understands the system's nuances. Fourth round draft pick, Carver Willis is a potential front runner if he can adapt quickly to the faster interior rush. He played OT in college, so we will have to see how he adjusts to his new position. Lastly, the Niners signed Robert Jones who is an explosive veteran free agent addition from Miami and provides the steady, proven baseline competition the team needs. It will be fun to see how this battle plays out. While the healthy roster grinds on the main field, the 49ers' medical staff is carefully monitoring the rehab of core anchors Nick Bosa and George Kittle. Defensive end Nick Bosa is progressing rapidly in his recovery from a torn right ACL suffered early last season. Bosa was spotted running on the side fields and stated he is "pretty far along," aiming to be fully cleared to lay the groundwork by the start of training camp in late July. Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle is working through a tighter schedule after tearing his Achilles on January 11. A slimmed-down Kittle has begun light on-field conditioning, and while the team remains hopeful for a Week 1 return, starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list remains a distinct structural safety net.