The San Francisco 49ers are launching a comprehensive investigation into the causes of their ongoing injury woes, with general manager John Lynch stating that the team will examine “everything,” including a widely circulated conspiracy theory linking injuries to an electrical substation near their training facility.
This decision comes after another season marred by significant injuries to key players. Defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, and tight end George Kittle all suffered season-ending ailments, while first-round pick Mykel Williams and others faced lengthy absences. The 49ers have consistently ranked high in injury metrics over recent years, prompting Lynch to emphasize that player health and safety are top priorities.
The substation theory, which has viral popularity online, suggests that electromagnetic force (EMF) from a nearby electrical substation could be contributing to the team’s injury issues. The theory gained attention when receiver Kendrick Bourne referenced it after Kittle’s Achilles tear. However, experts have dismissed this idea as baseless. Frank de Vocht, a professor of epidemiology, labeled it “nonsense,” noting that no credible scientific evidence supports such a claim.
Despite the debunking, Lynch affirmed that the 49ers will not ignore any potential factor. The team has reached out to various sources to verify if any legitimate studies exist on the matter. The substation, operated by Silicon Valley Power, has been near the facility since the 1990s and was expanded in 2014 with the opening of Levi’s Stadium, but no correlation with injuries has been established.
Financially, the impact of injuries has been substantial. According to OverTheCap, the 49ers had 20 players on reserve lists this season, accounting for over $95 million in adjusted annual value, the highest in the NFL. This follows a pattern where the team led the league in adjusted games lost in 2024 and 2020, indicating a persistent problem that management is determined to address.
Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan provided updates on player recoveries. Bosa and Williams are expected back around training camp, Warner should return for offseason programs, and Kittle aims to come back during the season. The team continues to evaluate their injury prevention processes, with Lynch stating that while injuries are inevitable in football, the goal is to mitigate them through improved strategies and resources.
Looking ahead, the 49ers’ investigation will extend beyond conspiracy theories to a thorough review of their training, medical, and conditioning practices. Ownership has committed resources to this effort, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding player welfare. As the offseason progresses, the team’s findings could influence broader NFL practices, highlighting the importance of data-driven health management in professional sports.
