49ers Players Speak Out on Injury Concerns, Offseason Goals
There’s no shortage of theories when it comes to the 49ers’ injury luck-or lack thereof. But wide receiver Kendrick Bourne may have just added the most unexpected one to the mix.
During a recent appearance on You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos, Bourne opened up about a growing buzz around the team’s practice facility. Specifically, the electrical substation that sits just next to it. It’s become the center of a conspiracy theory among some fans-and apparently, a few players-that it might somehow be linked to the rash of injuries the team has endured.
“I kind of buy it,” Bourne admitted. “I’m a conspiracy theorist, so I don’t know.”
He pointed out a curious detail: the grass near the substation is brown, while the adjacent soccer field’s turf stays green. “That kind of trips me out a little bit,” he said.
“But I don’t know. It’s so much research they probably have to do, but whatever we can do to help prevent injuries, we got to look into.”
Bourne said general manager John Lynch is aware of the concern and has indicated he’s willing to look into it. And while the theory might sound out there, Bourne’s not brushing it off.
“That thing is huge,” he said of the substation. “Like, it’s carrying real power. So I don’t know if they can crank it more, crank it less, but I think it’s serious.”
As for whether this theory is shared across the locker room, Bourne kept it real: “Everybody’s different. Some people don’t care.
Some people talk about it. Some people talk about it more than others.
But I’m just one of those trolls that’s like, ‘Man, nah, bro, something ain’t right.’”
CJ West Eyes Big Year 2 Leap
While some players are looking outward for answers, others are focused squarely on themselves-and defensive tackle CJ West is one of them.
Heading into his second season, West isn’t just looking for improvement-he’s aiming for a breakout.
“Year 2, I mean, I need to have one of the biggest jumps I had in my football career,” West said. “I’m just really bringing my game to the next level.”
His goals are clear: more dominance in the pass rush, continued improvement in run defense, and a bigger impact overall on the defensive front.
That means doing the dirty work-collapsing the pocket, forcing quarterbacks to move off their spot, and creating sack opportunities for star edge rushers like Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams.
“Just changing the game in that way would make a big difference in our scheme and in our team,” West said.
The Niners already boast one of the league’s most feared defensive lines. If West takes the leap he’s aiming for, that group could become even more dangerous in 2026.
Seahawks Want Kenneth Walker Back in 2026
Up in Seattle, new head coach Mike Macdonald made it clear: running back Kenneth Walker is a priority.
“Of course, we want Ken back,” Macdonald said this week. “He’s a phenomenal player.
He’s a great person. He’s a great teammate.
Those are the people we want in our building.”
Walker, who’s been a key piece of the Seahawks’ offense, is entering a pivotal offseason. While no decisions have been made yet, Macdonald’s comments left little doubt about how the organization views him.
“Ken knows how we feel about him,” Macdonald said. “And I think we know how Ken feels about us.”
Darnold’s Incentive and Future in Seattle
Meanwhile, quarterback Sam Darnold could be in for a nice payday if the Seahawks win the Super Bowl. A victory would trigger a $2.5 million playoff incentive in his contract.
And while Darnold just signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal last offseason, there’s already chatter that an extension could be on the table-especially if he helps deliver a championship.
The Seahawks’ future at quarterback is looking more stable than it has in years, and if Darnold keeps trending upward, Seattle may be locking him in even longer.
From injury theories to offseason goals to potential contract moves, the NFC West is buzzing as the offseason gets underway. And with the Super Bowl looming, the stakes are only getting higher.