Conspiracy theories linking the San Francisco 49ers' recurring injury issues to an electrical power substation near their practice facility have resurfaced following a recent setback for wide receiver Mike Evans.
Evans is reportedly sidelined with a hamstring injury, casting doubt on his availability for Week 1. The news emerged days after the team shared a video on X of Evans practicing with the power substation visible in the background. This footage quickly fueled renewed online speculation among fans who have linked the team's injury woes to the substation.
This is not the first time such theories have gained traction. The speculation began in January when researcher Peter Cowan suggested that chronic exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields from the substation could be contributing to the 49ers' fitness problems. The theory gained further attention after tight end George Kittle suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the playoffs, with Kittle himself addressing the possibility.
In February, Kittle recounted on Complex News that during his rookie season, trees between the substation and the practice facility lacked leaves year-round. He noted that these trees were later removed by the NFL. Former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker also commented on the matter, stating on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast that concerns about the substation were present during his tenure with the team from 2006 to 2012, with discussions about moving it due to alleged health concerns.
In response to the persistent theories, the 49ers conducted an investigation into the substation. General Manager John Lynch shared the findings in March, stating that independent scientists found no cause for concern. "We're safe. We're in a safe place of work," Lynch told reporters. "The levels are 400 times less than an unsafe zone. So it's a normal place of work, it's a normal gym. We are safe, we're healthy, and we feel really good about that."
Despite the team's assurances and the findings of their investigation, the proximity of the substation to the practice fields continues to be a talking point among fans and some former players. The 49ers practice fields are situated directly adjacent to the electrical substation.
Separately, the 49ers organization is considering relocating its practice facility to improve its training and rehabilitation resources. CEO Al Guido indicated that the team aims to enhance its weight room, hydrotherapy, and rehab areas to better support their pursuit of a Super Bowl. This consideration is reportedly driven by the team's persistent injury issues over several years and is not directly linked to the substation conspiracy theories. The team is also expanding its physical therapy staff by adding three new members.