The Cardinals vs 49ers matchup delivered an exciting contest in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, as the San Francisco 49ers held off a determined Arizona Cardinals comeback to secure a 36-30 victory on September 27 at Levi’s Stadium. Despite losing a significant second-half lead, San Francisco made crucial plays in the closing minutes to remain undefeated at 3-0.

Quarterback Brock Purdy led the 49ers’ offense with 297 passing yards and four touchdown passes. George Kittle scored twice, while Christian McCaffrey contributed a rushing touchdown. Deebo Samuel also played a key role, scoring an explosive 80-yard touchdown following a trick play involving Mike Evans.

On the other side, Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona improved considerably in the second half, turning what initially appeared to be a comfortable San Francisco win into a closely contested fourth-quarter battle.

The 49ers vs Cardinals game also raised questions about defensive execution, offensive consistency and the impact of injuries, including the wider discussion surrounding Mike Evans and Trent Williams.

Cardinals vs 49ers Match Result and Key Highlights

NFL WEEK 3 • SEPTEMBER 27, 2026

San Francisco 49ers

36

3-0 record

Arizona Cardinals

30

1-2 record

Final: 49ers won 36-30

Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California

San Francisco started aggressively, using creative offensive plays and effective passing to establish an early advantage. The Cardinals struggled with execution during the opening stages, allowing the 49ers to build a comfortable lead.

However, Arizona responded with a strong second-half performance. Brissett helped the Cardinals close the gap and put pressure on the San Francisco defense. The 49ers eventually regained control with a late touchdown connection between Purdy and Kittle.

Cardinals vs 49ers: Key Player Stats

Brock Purdy Leads the 49ers to Another Victory

Brock Purdy was at the center of San Francisco’s offensive success. The quarterback demonstrated accuracy, composure and effective decision-making throughout the contest, finishing with 297 passing yards and four touchdown passes.

The 49ers used a combination of short passes, creative play designs and explosive plays to challenge Arizona’s defense. Purdy’s ability to distribute the ball to multiple receivers made it difficult for the Cardinals to consistently contain the offense.

One of the most memorable moments came early in the game when San Francisco executed a hook-and-ladder play. Purdy passed to Mike Evans, who lateraled the ball to Deebo Samuel. Samuel then raced 80 yards for a touchdown, giving the 49ers an early 7-0 lead.

Purdy later connected with Evans for a 23-yard touchdown, helping San Francisco extend its advantage. His four touchdown passes played a major role in the team’s ability to withstand Arizona’s second-half comeback.

The performance also highlighted Purdy’s importance to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system. His ability to execute different play designs allowed San Francisco to maintain offensive momentum even when Arizona began applying more pressure.

George Kittle’s Two Touchdowns Help Seal the Win

George Kittle was one of Purdy’s most reliable targets during the 49ers game. The tight end finished with six receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns, delivering important contributions at crucial moments.

Kittle’s receiving ability gave San Francisco another option against Arizona’s defensive coverage. His combination of route-running, physicality and awareness helped the 49ers sustain drives and convert opportunities into points.

His most important contribution came late in the fourth quarter. With Arizona threatening to complete its comeback, Purdy found Kittle for a 20-yard touchdown with just 1:31 remaining.

The score extended San Francisco’s advantage and gave the team some breathing room. Although Arizona added a late field goal, Deebo Samuel recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the victory.

Kittle’s performance demonstrated how important experienced offensive players can be during closely contested divisional matchups.

Deebo Samuel’s 80-Yard Touchdown Changes the Game

Deebo Samuel produced one of the most exciting plays of the Cardinals vs 49ers matchup with his 80-yard touchdown following the hook-and-ladder.

The play began with Purdy throwing a short pass to Mike Evans. Rather than continuing with a conventional reception, Evans lateraled the ball to Samuel, who found open space and accelerated down the sideline.

Samuel’s speed and ability to turn a short opportunity into a long touchdown immediately put Arizona under pressure. The play also demonstrated Shanahan’s creative approach to offensive play-calling.

Beyond the touchdown, Samuel contributed to the 49ers’ late-game success by recovering Arizona’s onside kick after the Cardinals scored in the closing moments.

His contributions were important both in building the initial lead and protecting the advantage when the game became competitive.

Jacoby Brissett Leads the Cardinals’ Second-Half Comeback

Jacoby Brissett helped Arizona turn a difficult afternoon into a competitive finish. Although the Cardinals struggled during the opening half, the quarterback improved as the game progressed and finished with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Arizona initially had difficulty dealing with San Francisco’s offensive creativity. The early hook-and-ladder touchdown and subsequent scoring plays created a substantial deficit that forced the Cardinals to adjust their approach.

Brissett acknowledged the team’s improvement after halftime but stressed that the poor opening half had ultimately cost Arizona the opportunity to win.

“We cleaned up the operation and our focus and attention to detail got better in the second half. But, again, you can’t give a good team a half.”

His comments reflected Arizona’s frustration with its early mistakes. While the comeback demonstrated the team’s ability to respond under pressure, the Cardinals were unable to complete the turnaround.

Brissett’s performance offered some positive signs for Arizona, particularly after facing criticism following the previous week’s game. However, the team will need to improve its consistency across all four quarters to turn competitive performances into victories.

Christian McCaffrey Adds Another Touchdown

Christian McCaffrey also played an important role in the 49ers’ offensive performance. The running back scored a one-yard rushing touchdown early in the second half, extending San Francisco’s lead to 23-6.

His ability to contribute on the ground gave the 49ers another dimension beyond Purdy’s passing attack. McCaffrey’s touchdown also helped San Francisco maintain its momentum after a productive opening half.

The 49ers’ balanced offense created challenges for Arizona, which had to account for both the passing game and the running attack. McCaffrey’s scoring contribution complemented the performances of Purdy, Kittle and Samuel.

Mike Evans Injury: Is Mike Evans Playing Today?

Mike Evans played in the September 27, 2026, Cardinals vs 49ers game, according to the supplied match report. He was involved in the opening hook-and-ladder play that resulted in Deebo Samuel’s 80-yard touchdown and also caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy.

The Mike Evans injury question is relevant to fans following his availability and contributions during the NFL season. However, the supplied reports do not provide a confirmed injury diagnosis, details of a potential injury or a specific injury-related limitation for Evans during this matchup.

Evans’ contributions were particularly notable because he was involved in two significant offensive plays. His reception and lateral to Samuel helped create an early scoring opportunity, while his 23-yard touchdown added to San Francisco’s lead.

Fans looking for a more detailed Mike Evans injury update should distinguish between confirmed game participation and any separate injury report. Participation in this game alone does not establish his availability for the 49ers’ next matchup.

Trent Williams Injury: Latest Available Information

Trent Williams is another important name for 49ers supporters, particularly because of his role on San Francisco’s offensive line. His blocking helps protect Brock Purdy and creates opportunities for the team’s running game.

The Trent Williams injury topic is relevant when assessing the 49ers’ offensive-line availability. However, the supplied Cardinals vs 49ers reports do not confirm a specific injury, its severity, a recovery timeline or whether Williams missed any action during the game.

Without a verified injury report, it would be inaccurate to describe Williams as injured, ruled out or expected to miss the next game.

His availability will be an important factor to follow as San Francisco prepares for its upcoming schedule, especially with the team aiming to maintain its undefeated start.

Why Did the 49ers Almost Lose Their Lead?

San Francisco appeared to be in control after establishing a 17-point advantage. However, Arizona’s improved offensive execution in the second half exposed some defensive weaknesses and made the contest much closer than expected.

The Cardinals adjusted their approach and found more success moving the ball through the air. Brissett’s passing helped Arizona sustain drives, score touchdowns and put pressure on the 49ers.

San Francisco also faced challenges maintaining its early defensive intensity. The Cardinals took advantage of opportunities to reduce the deficit, turning a seemingly comfortable victory into a tense fourth-quarter contest.

Despite those difficulties, the 49ers made the decisive plays when needed. Purdy’s late touchdown pass to Kittle restored some breathing room, while Samuel’s recovery of the onside kick prevented Arizona from getting another possession.

The game highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration throughout all four quarters, even when a team has established a substantial lead.

Cardinals vs 49ers: What the Result Means for Both Teams

San Francisco 49ers

3-0 record

The victory kept San Francisco undefeated through the first three games of the 2026 NFL season. Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have demonstrated their ability to score through different offensive approaches and finish close contests.

The team will now prepare for its Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos, aiming to extend its winning streak to four games.

Arizona Cardinals

1-2 record

Arizona left Levi’s Stadium with a 30-36 defeat but showed improvement after halftime. Brissett’s passing performance and the team’s second-half response offered positives to build on.

The Cardinals will need to address their early-game mistakes, improve their attention to detail and maintain offensive consistency as they continue their season on the road in Week 4.

49ers Game: Looking Ahead to Week 4

The San Francisco 49ers will turn their attention to the Denver Broncos following their narrow win over Arizona. Their 3-0 start provides momentum, but the Cardinals’ comeback also highlights areas that may require attention.

Purdy’s connection with Kittle, the contributions of McCaffrey and Samuel’s explosive playmaking will remain important elements of the offense. Meanwhile, monitoring the availability of key players, including Mike Evans and Trent Williams, will be relevant as the team prepares for its next game.

For Arizona, the priority will be to carry its second-half performance into the opening stages of its next matchup. Brissett’s ability to lead scoring drives will be important, but reducing operational mistakes and improving defensive execution will also be essential.

The Cardinals will be looking to recover from their second loss of the season and improve their 1-2 record.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the Cardinals vs 49ers game?

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-30 on September 27, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium.

2. What was the score of the 49ers vs Cardinals game?

The final score was 49ers 36, Cardinals 30. San Francisco held off Arizona’s second-half comeback to secure the victory.

3. How many touchdowns did Brock Purdy throw against the Cardinals?

Brock Purdy threw four touchdown passes and finished with 297 passing yards in the Week 3 matchup.

4. How did Jacoby Brissett perform against the 49ers?

Jacoby Brissett recorded 280 passing yards and two touchdowns. He helped Arizona mount a second-half comeback but could not lead the team to victory.

5. Is Mike Evans playing today?

Mike Evans played in the September 27 matchup, catching a 23-yard touchdown pass and participating in the hook-and-ladder play that led to Deebo Samuel’s 80-yard touchdown.

6. What is the latest Mike Evans injury update?

The supplied match reports confirm Evans’ participation but do not provide a specific injury diagnosis, severity or recovery timeline.

7. What is the latest Trent Williams injury update?

The supplied reports do not confirm a specific Trent Williams injury or provide details about his availability. A verified injury report would be needed to establish his current status.

8. How many touchdowns did George Kittle score?

George Kittle scored two receiving touchdowns against Arizona, finishing with six receptions for 82 yards.

9. What is the 49ers’ record after beating the Cardinals?

San Francisco improved to 3-0 following its 36-30 victory, remaining undefeated through the first three games of the 2026 NFL season.

10. Who will the 49ers play next?

According to the supplied report, San Francisco will face the Denver Broncos in Week 4 as it looks to extend its winning streak to four games.

Conclusion

The Cardinals vs 49ers game provided an entertaining Week 3 contest, with San Francisco securing a 36-30 victory despite Arizona’s impressive second-half comeback. Brock Purdy’s four touchdown passes, George Kittle’s two scoring receptions and Deebo Samuel’s 80-yard touchdown helped the 49ers preserve their undefeated record.

Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals showed resilience by turning a substantial deficit into a close game. However, their early mistakes ultimately proved costly.

San Francisco now moves forward with a 3-0 record and a Week 4 matchup against Denver on the schedule. Arizona, meanwhile, will look to build on its second-half improvement and find greater consistency in the games ahead.