49ers Dismiss Power Substation Theory as Cause of Injuries

PHOENIX — Following a season marred by a significant number of injuries, San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch addressed concerns regarding a potential link between a nearby power substation and the team’s health issues. Lynch unequivocally dismissed the theory, which gained traction online, and detailed the steps the organization is taking to proactively address injury prevention for the future.

Speaking at the NFL Annual Meetings on Sunday, Lynch explained that the 49ers commissioned an independent scientific study to assess the potential impact of the power substation located near the team’s training facilities at Levi’s Stadium. The investigation was prompted by growing speculation that electromagnetic fields from the substation could be contributing to the team’s injury woes.

“Basically, it turned out to be a whole lot of nothing,” Lynch stated. “We are in a safe perform environment… It’s a normal workplace. It’s a normal gym. We are safe, we are healthy, and we feel remarkably comfortable with that.”

The team’s investigation involved a scientist with over 45 years of experience studying electromagnetic fields and their effects. This individual, whose name and affiliation were not disclosed, was granted full access to the 49ers’ facilities. Using “laboratory-grade equipment,” the scientist measured electromagnetic emissions throughout areas frequented by players.

According to the 49ers, the readings revealed that electromagnetic field levels at the facility were 400 times below the threshold considered unsafe for a work environment. The scientist concluded that exposure levels were comparable to those found in a typical workplace or commercial gym, and that using common household appliances like vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, or microwaves would result in greater exposure.

“I felt like that would be the case, but it’s encouraging to have the results confirm that,” Lynch said, adding that the team had not received any questions from prospective free agents regarding the substation theory, and had the scientist’s findings readily available should they be requested.

Despite dismissing the substation theory, Lynch emphasized the team’s ongoing commitment to reducing injuries. The 49ers have been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, a trend that reached a critical point in 2025.

Last season, San Francisco lost key players including defensive finish Nick Bosa (ACL tear), linebacker Fred Warner (ankle fracture), and tight end George Kittle (Achilles tendon rupture) to season-ending injuries. First-round draft pick Mykel Williams also suffered an ACL tear that sidelined him for a significant portion of the year. Quarterback Brock Purdy battled a thumb injury, although wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, and linebacker Tatum Bethune all experienced extended absences due to various ailments.

According to OverTheCap, the 49ers had 20 players on injured reserve throughout the season, totaling over $95 million in adjusted contract value – the highest in the league, exceeding the next closest team by nearly $20 million. The team also led the league in “games lost adjusted” in both 2024 and 2020, a metric that estimates the impact of injuries on team performance.

The NFLPA’s annual player evaluation report revealed that 49ers players gave the team’s strength and conditioning staff and training room a C-minus grade. In response, Lynch announced a $9 million investment to improve the team’s rehabilitation and recovery facilities, with a significant portion allocated to expanded aquatic options, including cold plunge pools, swimming pools, and underwater treadmills.

Lynch also stated that while the team does not plan to replace its current strength and conditioning staff, they will be adding three additional physical therapists through an ongoing hiring process.

“When you have a year like we had, you’re always looking to improve. you never stand still,” Lynch commented. “You either get better, or you get worse. And sometimes those years just happen, but in terms of the evaluation results, we believe we have a really competent staff, but – I reiterate – it’s not enough to just say, ‘Well, we have good people.’”

“Clearly, in the feedback expressed by the players in that report, a lot of the criticism points to the facilities… I think the modern athlete demands more individualized and personalized care. And that was a recurring theme in the surveys: when you dig into it, we concluded the problem was a lack of sufficient staff. While we had an adequate roster, we weren’t at the forefront of the league in that regard. Now we will be. The health and safety of our players – as well as their athletic performance – is paramount to us. We are putting all of our efforts into it.”

Lynch also reported that Bosa and Williams are recovering well from their ACL tears and are expected to participate in some capacity at the start of training camp, albeit under a modified workload. He also suggested, for the first time, that Kittle – who suffered his injury during the team’s NFC Wild Card victory over the Eagles on January 11 – could be available for the start of the regular season.

“We’re optimistic he can be ready for Week 1,” Lynch said. “His recovery is progressing well.”

“I think we’re optimistic about Week 1,” Lynch said. “He’s progressing well.”

The San Francisco 49ers’ commitment to player health and safety remains a top priority as they look to build on their recent success and contend for a Super Bowl title. The team’s proactive approach to injury prevention, coupled with ongoing investments in facilities and personnel, signals a determination to address the challenges that have plagued them in recent years. The team will open the 2026 regular season with a home game against the Los Angeles Rams on September 13th.