Was the 49ers' biggest problem in Sunday's loss to the Texans their defense, which allowed 475 yards, 23 first downs, and nine third-down conversions? Or their offense, which struggled to stay on the field while the team fell into a 16-0 first half hole?
Injuries have once again become a defining storyline for the San Francisco 49ers, a familiar frustration for fans. The team's depth has been tested repeatedly this season, and Sunday's 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans only added to the growing list of setbacks.
The San Francisco 49ers dropped to 5-3 on the season after a 26-15 Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Below are several statistics and notes from Sunday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
The San Francisco 49ers have been winning games with the next man up mentality. They have been able to get by with the depth and the talent that they do have stepping up for them.
It's uncommon, but not unheard of, for notable QBs to change teams -- via trade, free agency, or waiver claim -- at the 11th hour or during a season. Here are the top instances of QBs relocating late and making an impact that season.
The San Francisco 49ers dropped their third game of the season on Sunday, falling short 26-15 on the road to the Houston Texans in a rough game on both sides of the ball.
The San Francisco 49ers suffered their third defeat of the season on Sunday, losing 26-15 to the Houston Texans. The performance highlighted major areas for improvement on both sides of the ball.
The redemption arc of quarterback Mac Jones was fun while it lasted, but the San Francisco 49ers need starting QB Brock Purdy to return as soon as possible.
Well, that was ugly. The San Francisco 49ers lost in depressing style to the Houston Texans 26-15. They lost their third game of the season and now have a record of 5-3.
A San Francisco 49ers team that fought through injuries to remain surprisingly competitive through their first seven games looked listless and outclassed for much of their matchup against the Texans on Sunday, falling 26-15 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Two San Francisco 49ers rookies—wide receiver Jordan Watkins and running back Jordan James—had been inactive for every game leading up to the Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans.
With the month of September in the books, both the top college prospects and 2026 NFL draft order are coming into focus. Here's a look at our latest first-round NFL mock draft as of October 13, 2025.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on QB Brock Purdy‘s toe recovery and if he was where the team expected him to be: “Yes. It’s different dealing with a toe but I’d say it’s steadily getting better each week.” (Nick Wagoner) 49ers GM John Lynch talked about Purdy’s status: “We’re taking the appropriate measures.
Per the wire, the 49ers are elevating DE Trevis Gipson and OL Nick Zakej for their matchup in Week 8. Gipson, 28, was a fifth-round pick out of Tulsa by the Bears back in 2020.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is a strong favorite for the Comeback Player of the Year award. It’s not hard to see why. He played just four games last season after long-term injuries that made bouncing back a real challenge.
As the Nov. 4 trade deadline approaches, the 49ers are weighing their options and evaluating potential trade deadline targets to strengthen a roster hit by injuries to stars like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Brock Purdy.
The San Francisco 49ers officially ruled out five players from Week 8, including QB Brock Purdy (toe), WR Ricky Pearsall (knee), DE Bryce Huff (hamstring),