Competing in a loaded NFC West won't be easy for the San Francisco 49ers. The team finished third in the division last season, behind the eventual Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, widely viewed as the Super Bowl LXI favorite entering 2026.

Speaking to NFL Network from Tight End University in Nashville, Tennessee, this week, quarterback Brock Purdy acknowledged the challenge of navigating one of the NFL's toughest divisions. Still, he emphasized that the 49ers' focus must remain on themselves.


"I think we have probably the best division in the NFL, respectfully," Purdy said. "And I think guys all know that on our team, but it's not always, 'Hey, it's about them, it's about them.' We have to focus on ourselves, focus on our craft, and how we're going to go about training camp and getting ready for the season, and put our heads down, and take it one week at a time. Go from there."

Preparing for a Week 1 clash with the Rams in Australia


The 49ers will face an immediate challenge to open the season. In Week 1, they'll travel to Melbourne, Australia, for a highly anticipated matchup against the Rams, one of their biggest NFC West rivals.

Los Angeles strengthened an already talented roster by acquiring star pass rusher Myles Garrett this offseason. Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald and the possibility of a comeback.

Purdy admitted the international opener presents a unique challenge.

"To go across the world, I don't know how you prepare for that, but it's going to be fun just going to Australia, playing our division rival," Purdy said. "For us, we're going to take it one day at a time, just like I said, and have a good offseason, and be ready to roll for Week 1."


Brock Purdy hopeful George Kittle returns for Week 1


Purdy is also optimistic about having All-Pro tight end George Kittle available when the season kicks off.

Kittle suffered an Achilles injury during the 49ers' playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last season, creating uncertainty about his availability for the start of the 2026 campaign. However, the veteran tight end has repeatedly expressed confidence that he'll be ready for Week 1.

Purdy knows how important Kittle is to the offense and the team's overall success.

"He's the most explosive tight end in the NFL," Purdy said. "The energy he brings to our team, his leadership, obviously, I want to be out there Week 1 with him. But we're going to see. We're going to take it one day at a time."

Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News