The San Francisco 49ers aren’t dismissing anything after another year of key injuries, including a viral conspiracy theory claiming an electrical substation near Levi’s Stadium and the team facility could be contributing to the problem. At least, according to a new ESPN report.
General manager John Lynch said on Jan. 21 that the organization plans to “look into everything,” including the online EMF (electromotive force) theory that has gained traction around the team.
Key details (fast)
- Lynch: 49ers are “reaching out to anyone and everyone” for credible studies on the EMF/substation claim.
- The substation is operated by Silicon Valley Power and expanded in 2014 alongside Levi’s Stadium opening.
- Experts cited in national reporting have called the EMF injury link “nonsense.”
- The bigger point: San Francisco is launching a broad offseason review of its injury-prevention process.
John Lynch says they’ll look into it.
What John Lynch Said and Why the 49ers Are Taking It Seriously
Lynch’s message was simple: when the subject is player health and safety, the 49ers can’t afford to wave away concerns just because they sound outlandish.
“Because it deals with allegedly the health and safety of our players, I think you have to look into everything,” Lynch said, adding the team is trying to find out whether any legitimate studies exist beyond viral videos measuring numbers “that I have no idea what that means.”
The theory has become loud enough that it reached the locker room. ESPN noted wide receiver Kendrick Bourne alluded to it after tight end George Kittle suffered a right Achilles tear in a playoff game against Philadelphia.
Still, the “substation causes injuries” claim has been widely disputed by scientists and medical professionals, including epidemiology professor Frank de Vocht, who told The Washington Post the idea is “nonsense,” per ESPN’s report.
What It Means for the 49ers: The Injury Review Is the Real Story
Even if the EMF angle goes nowhere, the 49ers’ injury volume gives Lynch a real offseason mandate: find out why so many high-impact players keep missing time.
This season alone, ESPN listed season-ending injuries to Nick Bosa (torn ACL), Fred Warner (broken ankle), and Kittle (Achilles), while first-round pick Mykel Williams also missed a large chunk of the year with a torn ACL.
The absences extended well beyond the stars, including time missed by quarterback Brock Purdy (turf toe variant) and receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, among others.
One number jumped off the page: OverTheCap data cited by ESPN showed the 49ers had 20 players on a reserve list, accounting for more than $95 million in adjusted annual value, the highest in the NFL.
That’s why Lynch said the team’s internal “deep dive” goes beyond any one theory, focusing on trends, training, data, and the entire injury-prevention pipeline.
Injury Timelines to Watch Heading Into the Offseason
Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan offered early expectations on a few major names: Bosa and Williams could be back around the start of training camp (or shortly after), Warner is expected for the start of the offseason program, and Kittle is projected to return during the season.
In the short term, ESPN also noted rookie linebacker Nick Martin cleared concussion protocol, while tight end Jake Tonges is expected to miss about three weeks with a plantar fascia injury.
49ers Electrical Substation Theory: John Lynch Says Team Will Investigate