49ers showcase improvement against Chargers in preseason action

The San Francisco 49ers faced the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on August 20, 2026, in their first preseason game featuring starting quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Justin Herbert. The 49ers led at halftime, 20-3, with significant contributions from their defense and standout performances by Raheem Morris' unit. De’Zhaun Stribling and Jacob Cowing emerged as key figures, with Stribling making multiple catches and Cowing scoring on a punt return. The game demonstrated the 49ers' rebound after a challenging joint practice earlier in the week, with the starting offense and defense showing improvement.

• 4:43 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers get redemption, answers in preseason game vs Chargers