Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Football is officially back, and the 49ers are just days away from their trip to Australia — but there are still a lot of question marks heading into Week 1. Matt Lively joined the show live from Niners practice to break down exactly what he saw, and why he's not fully buying the "everything's fine" narrative just yet. Matt dug into the biggest storyline hanging over this team: is Nick Bosa actually going to be ready to play Week 1? He explains why he's staying skeptical despite the front office's optimism, and how George Kittle's situation looks noticeably different. From there, the conversation shifts to the backup running back battle behind Christian McCaffrey, the surprising new-look wide receiver room with Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, and who might actually be manning punt and kick return duties if Jacob Cowing isn't ready. Plus, Matt gives his honest read on the vibe at practice with the Aaron Donald–Rams reunion looming in Week 1.
Topics discussed include:
Nick Bosa and George Kittle's Week 1 availability
The unsettled left guard competition
Jordan James vs. Kaelon Black for the RB2 job
Christian McCaffrey's workload and Mike Evans' health
Deebo Samuel's evolving role in the offense
Return specialist battle (Cowing, Deebo, Jordan Watkins, Will Pauling)
The Aaron Donald–Rams rivalry renewing in Week 1
Do you think Nick Bosa plays in Week 1? Let us know in the comments.
0:00 – Matt Lively Previews the Australia Trip
1:14 – Bosa & Kittle Week 1 Availability
5:19 – Backup RB Battle: James vs. Black
7:35 – Mike Evans & Deebo Samuel's Roles
11:00 – Vibe Check: Aaron Donald Reunion Looms
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Football is officially back, and the 49ers are just days away from their trip to Australia — but there are still a lot of question marks heading into Week 1. Matt Lively joined the show live from Niners practice to break down exactly what he saw, and why he's not fully buying the "everything's fine" narrative just yet. Matt dug into the biggest storyline hanging over this team: is Nick Bosa actually going to be ready to play Week 1? He explains why he's staying skeptical despite the front office's optimism, and how George Kittle's situation looks noticeably different. From there, the conversation shifts to the backup running back battle behind Christian McCaffrey, the surprising new-look wide receiver room with Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, and who might actually be manning punt and kick return duties if Jacob Cowing isn't ready. Plus, Matt gives his honest read on the vibe at practice with the Aaron Donald–Rams reunion looming in Week 1.
Topics discussed include:
Nick Bosa and George Kittle's Week 1 availability
The unsettled left guard competition
Jordan James vs. Kaelon Black for the RB2 job
Christian McCaffrey's workload and Mike Evans' health
Deebo Samuel's evolving role in the offense
Return specialist battle (Cowing, Deebo, Jordan Watkins, Will Pauling)
The Aaron Donald–Rams rivalry renewing in Week 1
Do you think Nick Bosa plays in Week 1? Let us know in the comments.
0:00 – Matt Lively Previews the Australia Trip
1:14 – Bosa & Kittle Week 1 Availability
5:19 – Backup RB Battle: James vs. Black
7:35 – Mike Evans & Deebo Samuel's Roles
11:00 – Vibe Check: Aaron Donald Reunion Looms
Download the Audacy app to never miss any of your favorite 957 The Game content:
go.audacy.com/y-listen-live-957thegame
Listen live: audacy.com/957thegame/listen
Visit our website: 957thegame.com
Subscribe on Twitch: twitch.tv/957thegame
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/957thegame
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/957thegame
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/957thegame
Join our Newsletter: audacy.com/957thegame/join-our-clubs/mvp-club
