The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 on Thursday, August 20, powered by Jacob Cowing’s momentum-shifting 83-yard punt-return touchdown in a preseason showcase at SoFi Stadium.
After a scoreless first quarter, San Francisco turned the second period into the decisive stretch. The 49ers put up 20 points while holding the Chargers to a field goal, taking a 20-3 lead into halftime. Cowing’s special-teams score supplied the game’s biggest jolt, flipping the field and putting San Francisco in command during an evening built around preseason roster evaluation and depth-chart opportunities.
The Chargers found some traction after the break, scoring six points in the third quarter and eight more in the fourth. But the 49ers continued to answer, adding seven points in the third and 14 in the fourth to keep Los Angeles from generating a true comeback opportunity. San Francisco scored in each of the final three quarters, while its 20-point second quarter created the margin that defined the result.
Special teams helped set the tone, and kicker Eddy Piñeiro added two field goals as the 49ers consistently converted their scoring chances. The game did not require overtime: San Francisco’s early separation and steady second-half scoring allowed it to close out a 24-point preseason win.
Key Performers
Mac Jones led San Francisco in passing, completing 6 of 13 passes for 89 yards. In a preseason setting where execution and command can matter as much as volume, Jones helped guide an offense that built a sizable halftime advantage.
Sincere McCormick was the 49ers’ rushing leader with six carries for 53 yards and one touchdown. His 8.8-yard average per carry gave San Francisco an efficient ground-game spark and helped the offense maintain balance after the break.
KhaDarel Hodge paced the San Francisco receivers with four receptions for 46 yards. Hodge’s dependable production gave Jones a productive target underneath and helped the 49ers move the chains during their scoring-heavy middle quarters.
Cowing’s 83-yard punt-return touchdown remains the defining individual highlight. A return score in preseason can dramatically change a player’s case for a roster spot, particularly when it demonstrates both vision and finishing speed on special teams.
NerdSports Stat: San Francisco scored 20 of its 41 points, or 48.8%, in the second quarter alone.
The victory moved the 49ers to 1-1 in the preseason, matching the Chargers’ 1-1 mark. For San Francisco, the performance offered encouraging contributions across offense, rushing production and special teams before its preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, August 27 at 5:00 PM PDT. Los Angeles will look to sharpen its execution when it hosts the Los Angeles Rams later that night.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Francisco 49ers defeated Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 on August 20, 2026.
Mac Jones threw for 89 yards; the provided passing line did not list a touchdown total.
No. The 49ers won in regulation, 41-17.
Los Angeles Chargers is now 1-1; San Francisco 49ers is 1-1.
The San Francisco 49ers play the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM PDT.
