The San Francisco 49ers delivered a dominant performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, earning a convincing 41-17 victory at SoFi Stadium in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason.
San Francisco controlled the game in all three phases and bounced back strongly after the Chargers had the better of their joint practice earlier in the week. The 49ers built a 20-3 halftime lead before continuing their strong performance after the break.
49ers Take Control Early
Brock Purdy started at quarterback for San Francisco and completed 4 of 6 passes for 29 yards during his brief appearance. Mac Jones then took over and provided an encouraging performance with extended playing time.
Jones showed good vision and accuracy, including a well-placed 20-yard completion to wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge. Adrian Martinez handled quarterback duties in the second half and contributed both through the air and on the ground.
The 49ers’ offense consistently moved the football, while the defense prevented Los Angeles from establishing any rhythm.
De’Zhaun Stribling Continues Strong Preseason
Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was one of San Francisco’s biggest winners.
The 2026 second-round pick from Ole Miss caught four passes for 46 yards and emerged as a dependable target for both Purdy and Jones.
Stribling’s latest performance followed an impressive preseason opener in which he recorded seven receptions for 63 yards. Although he dropped a potential touchdown opportunity against Los Angeles, his overall performance further strengthened his case for a meaningful role in San Francisco’s offense.
Jacob Cowing Scores on 83-Yard Punt Return
Special teams provided another major highlight for the 49ers.
Jacob Cowing returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter, extending San Francisco’s lead to 17-3. Cowing displayed impressive speed as he avoided several Chargers defenders before racing down the sideline.
The explosive return could help Cowing in his competition for San Francisco’s punt returner role.
San Francisco Defense Shuts Down Chargers’ Running Game
The 49ers’ defensive line consistently won battles at the line of scrimmage.
Los Angeles struggled to find running lanes, with Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal combining for only eight carries and four yards in the first half.
Sam Okuayinonu and Romello Height each recorded a tackle for loss, while San Francisco’s defensive front repeatedly disrupted Chargers possessions.
The 49ers ultimately outgained Los Angeles 321-229 in total yardage.
Chargers Struggle on Offense
The Chargers’ first-team offense had a difficult opening series.
Justin Herbert started the game but quickly exited after a three-and-out. He completed a 9-yard pass to Charlie Kolar but could not connect with Ladd McConkey on third down.
Trey Lance then took over and produced one of the Chargers’ best offensive plays with a 37-yard scramble. However, penalties and inconsistent execution prevented Los Angeles from sustaining drives.
The Chargers converted only 2 of 14 third-down opportunities during the game.
Junior Colson Provides a Defensive Highlight
Junior Colson gave Chargers fans one of the night’s biggest highlights.
After pressure from Nadame Tucker forced an inaccurate throw from Adrian Martinez, Colson intercepted the pass and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown.
The former Michigan standout is competing for a role in Los Angeles’ inside linebacker rotation, making the turnover particularly valuable during the preseason.
Undrafted rookie safety Devin Grant also recorded an interception late in the game.
Chargers’ Backup Quarterback Situation Remains a Concern
The performance highlighted questions surrounding the Chargers’ quarterback depth behind Herbert.
Lance demonstrated his athleticism but struggled to consistently move the offense, while DJ Uiagalelei also had difficulty maintaining drives.
San Francisco, meanwhile, received encouraging performances from Jones and Martinez. That contrast could become important as both teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season.
Special Teams Trouble Hurts Los Angeles
The Chargers also struggled on special teams.
Kicker Cameron Dicker missed an extra point for the second consecutive preseason game. Los Angeles also surrendered Cowing’s 83-yard punt return touchdown and saw Devonte Ross fumble a kickoff return.
With special teams often playing a major role in final roster decisions, those mistakes could become significant for several Chargers players competing for roster spots.
Positive George Kittle Injury Update
San Francisco also received encouraging news regarding tight end George Kittle.
Kyle Shanahan indicated that Kittle could begin practicing sooner rather than later. Kittle suffered an Achilles injury during the 49ers’ wild-card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in January.
An encouraging follow-up visit with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who repaired Kittle’s Achilles, has added optimism surrounding his recovery.
If Kittle returns for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams as hoped, his presence would provide another major boost to San Francisco’s offense.
49ers and Chargers Will Meet Again in Week 15
The preseason meeting is only the beginning of the relationship between these teams in 2026.
The Chargers will host the 49ers in Week 15 on Thursday Night Football. Unlike the preseason matchup, that contest will have direct implications for the regular-season standings.
It will also mark Jim Harbaugh’s first regular-season meeting with his former team since becoming the Chargers’ head coach.
Final Takeaway
The 49ers vs Chargers preseason matchup was controlled by San Francisco from start to finish. Purdy provided an efficient opening, Jones looked comfortable with extended action, and Martinez added useful production later in the game.
Stribling’s continued development, Cowing’s spectacular punt return and the 49ers’ dominant run defense were among the biggest positives.
For Los Angeles, the 41-17 defeat exposed problems with offensive consistency, backup quarterback play and special teams execution.
Although preseason results do not count toward the regular-season standings, San Francisco’s performance offered plenty of encouraging signs heading into the 2026 NFL season.
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