The San Francisco 49ers’ second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, August 16, 2025, proved to be a costly affair, as several key players sustained injuries that overshadowed the on-field action at Allegiant Stadium. While fans were eager to see starters like quarterback Brock Purdy take their first snaps of the year, the game quickly became a story of attrition for San Francisco.
The contest, which was tied 10-10 in the second quarter, saw Purdy make his 2025 preseason debut. His first pass of the year was a crisp 7-yard completion to rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, offering a brief glimpse of the connection the team hopes to build upon. Several other starters also saw limited action as the team ramped up preparations for the regular season. However, the positive takeaways were soon tempered by significant injury concerns.
The first major blow came in the first quarter when rookie right guard Dominick Puni went down with a knee injury. According to reports from 49ers Webzone, the injury occurred during a field-goal attempt at the end of the team’s opening drive. Puni, who had been a surprising standout as a rookie, was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game, raising immediate concerns about the depth and stability of the offensive line.
The injury woes continued into the second quarter. Running back Corey Kiner, who had been running effectively, broke free for a 19-yard gain before suffering an ankle injury. The severity was immediately apparent as he was carted off the field. The 49ers later announced that Kiner would not return to the game. To compound the backfield issues, running back Patrick Taylor also sustained a shoulder injury, and his status was listed as questionable to return.
While the 49ers dealt with their mounting injuries, the Raiders capitalized on their opportunities. After Purdy’s brief appearance, backup quarterback Mac Jones took over and was intercepted by Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn. The Las Vegas offense also found success, with rookie tight end Brock Bowers making an impressive 28-yard reception on the team’s first offensive play. The Raiders’ scoring included a 1-yard touchdown run from rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, as detailed in live updates from the Raiders’ official website.
The preseason is a critical time for evaluation, but it also carries inherent risks, as demonstrated by the 49ers’ experience in Las Vegas. While the team managed to get some valuable reps for its starters and backups, the focus will now inevitably shift to the medical reports for Puni and Kiner. The loss of two promising young players, even for a short period, could have significant implications for the team’s roster composition and strategy heading into the final preseason matchup and the start of the regular season. The 49ers left Allegiant Stadium with more questions than answers, primarily centered on the health and resilience of their roster.
