The 49ers may be preparing for a significant change away from the field.

The organization is exploring a possible relocation of its practice facility as it continues to run out of space around Levi’s Stadium, according to a recent report from Vic Tafur of The Athletic. The comment came from 49ers CEO Al Guido while discussing facility upgrades and the franchise’s ongoing effort to maximize every possible competitive advantage.

“Everything is geared to winning the Super Bowl,” Guido told The Athletic.

The move would primarily be driven by logistics and growth, but it also arrives after months of discussion surrounding one of the NFL’s strangest injury-related storylines.

Earlier this year, a theory circulated suggesting the electrical substation adjacent to the team’s longtime practice facility could be contributing to San Francisco’s injury problems.

The idea gained traction among fans and players after another injury-plagued season, particularly because the substation is visible from the team’s primary practice fields.

The organization investigated the claim and ultimately dismissed it. General manager John Lynch revealed the team hired an independent scientist to study the issue, describing the findings as a “big nothing burger.”

Still, injuries remain a concern.

Several high-profile players suffered season-ending injuries, but a deeper dive reveals the broader trend.

Using distinct player counts from injury reports, the 49ers recorded injury totals roughly 22% above the league average in 2024 and 13% above average in 2025.

According to SumerBrain, leg injuries have been especially problematic, accounting for 74% of injuries in 2024 and an alarming 94% in 2025.

While the substation theory has largely been debunked, some observers have pointed to another possible explanation: the demanding nature of Kyle Shanahan’s practices.

Former players have repeatedly described San Francisco’s sessions as among the NFL’s most intense. Former 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave compared the culture to NBA coach Pat Riley’s famously demanding Heat program, while former receiver Chris Conley once summarized the approach by saying, “It’s not about preservation here. It’s about attacking.”

The 49ers have practiced in Santa Clara since 1988, years before leaving Candlestick Park. The nearby electrical substation was installed in 1994 and later expanded alongside the opening of Levi’s Stadium in 2014.

The 49ers have attempted to balance that philosophy with recovery, investing about $9 million this offseason into upgrades for the weight room, hydrotherapy and rehabilitation areas while also expanding the training staff.

Whether a future facility relocation has any impact on injuries remains to be seen. But if the 49ers move, one of the NFL’s most persistent injury theories may finally disappear along with it.