The San Francisco 49ers have been practicing in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees this week. Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals is expected to set a record as the hottest in Levi's Stadium history. The previous high was 88 degrees during the 49ers' 28-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on October 3, 2021.
After Friday's practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters and was asked if the team considered switching to their white jerseys, typically worn for road games, to combat the heat.
"We asked on Monday, and we weren't allowed to do it," Shanahan said. "You had to [request] it before the season started. So in order for us to do it, we've kind of got to make like a conscious decision or a commitment before the year that we wear all whites until like the middle of October or whatever, and then go to normal. But it's not usually this hot, so we'll probably do that now just in case."
Although the 49ers couldn't switch jerseys for the white combination, they are being allowed to wear their throwback uniforms on Sunday, which feature white pants.
Sunday threads ? pic.twitter.com/z4QyuzigK2
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 4, 2024
"Yeah, they'll let us do our throwbacks, just alternate it with other ones, so we'll get as much white on as possible," Shanahan explained. "And the most we possibly can do is white pants, so hopefully, it helps a little."
Shanahan was asked if the team had ever faced a similar situation before.
"We've never known in advance how hot it was going to be," Shanahan responded. "And honestly, since I've been here, it never seems too hot. I feel like, even on the hottest days, I still need a hoodie at some time during that day. But this week has felt different, and I truly believe Sunday is going to [be very hot].
"So it's the first time we've really looked into it, and I think that's been a rule (committing before the season starts) for a little bit. We just had to get reminded on it."
The 49ers and Cardinals will kick off at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday. Game time temperatures are forecasted to reach 95 degrees.