The 49ers have been very impressive through two weeks, but now they have a real test in front of them for Week 3 with the Arizona Cardinals coming to town. Not only is it the 49ers’ second divisional game and a chance to wrestle first place from the Seattle Seahawks, but they also have to show how they can deal with injuries in 2026. This will be an afternoon game with Kevin Kugler on play-by-play and Daryl Johnston providing color.
The 49ers had another injury blow, seemingly at random, late in the week
with Nick Bosa pulling his calf muscle during warmups. Bosa has been superb through two weeks, and his loss will be felt. Last year, the 49ers’ pass rush deteriorated almost immediately with the loss of Bosa. 2026 gives defensive coordinator Raheem Morris a chance to show what adjustments he can make to keep the wheels from falling off the defense. This is also frustrating after the 49ers followed their season-opening thumping to the Los Angeles Rams with another thumping of the Miami Dolphins. It shows what the 49ers can be—if healthy.
And Bosa isn’t the only one. Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was added to injured reserve on Saturday, further thinning out what has already been a decimated wide receiver corps. Jordan Watkins might have a shot on Sunday. The 49ers have also added Brandin Cooks to the practice squad this week, but given his unfamiliarity with the offense, expect to not see much on Sunday.
The Cardinals had a terrific Week 1, beating the Los Angeles Chargers in SoFi Stadium. 26-14. They tried for a second upset against the Seattle Seahawks and hung in there until the third quarter, when the floodgates opened up for a 31-7 loss. It’s fair to think the Cardinals are much better than we are giving them credit for. The loss of Bosa and others also helps level the playing field.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals also have some injuries. Cornerback Will Johnson—who started both of the Cardinals’ first two games— was placed on IR with a neck injury, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett was listed on the injury report with a hip issue, though he was a full participant.
The 49ers will be without defensive ends Nick Bosa (calf) and Romello Height (hand), wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (ankle), and defensive tackle James Thompson (ankle). Wide receiver Mike Evans (hip) is questionable.
The Cardinals will be without safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. Cornerback Garrett Williams, who tore his Achilles last year, is expected to make his season debut.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Kickoff: 01:05 PM PST, 4:05 PM EST
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Network: Fox
Play-by-Play: Kevin Kugler
Color Analyst: Daryl Johnston
Broadcast Map (Via 506sports): Orange is San Francisco v Arizona
SB Nation Affiliate: Revenge of the Birds
Odds: 49ers -7.5 atFanDuel Sportsbook
Total: 47.5
