In the scorching heat of California, the San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a sizzling showdown against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. With temperatures expected to soar to a record-breaking 99 degrees, the team is taking extra precautions to ensure they stay hydrated and energized throughout the game.
As players emerged from the locker room on Friday, they were greeted by a table laden with water bottles, energy bars, and other supplements designed to combat dehydration. A stark black and white sign served as a reminder of the extreme heat forecasted for Sunday’s game, which is expected to be the hottest in the 11-year history of Levi’s Stadium.
Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that the team is taking the heat seriously, saying, “We’ve never known in advance how hot it was going to be… This week has felt different, and I’m sure Sunday is going to (also).” To mitigate the effects of the heat, the team submitted a request to wear their all-white uniforms, but the league denied the petition due to rules stipulating that uniform preferences must be submitted before the season starts.
Instead, the 49ers will don their red throwback jerseys and white pants, a compromise that Shanahan hopes will provide some relief. The team has also been emphasizing hydration all week, with temperatures during practice reaching the mid-90s on Wednesday and Thursday, and the upper 80s on Friday.
Left tackle Trent Williams, who spends his offseasons in the sweltering Houston area, downplayed concerns about the heat, saying, “It’s nothing… It all depends on where your hydration level is.” Meanwhile, Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to the heat, saying, “The advantage is to the team that thinks it’s an advantage. We’re adapted to it.”
As the 49ers prepare for the scorching heat, they’ll also have to contend with injuries and attrition. Two players have been ruled out, while five others, including linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle, are listed as questionable. Despite the challenges, the team remains optimistic about their chances, knowing that staying hydrated and energized will be key to success in the blistering heat.
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