Injury Updates for 49ers Players
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers will be without star tight end George Kittle for several weeks due to hamstring injuries. Additionally, quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with a left shoulder and toe injury following the season opener.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that they haven’t made a decision yet about placing Kittle on injured reserve. This would keep him sidelined for a minimum of four weeks, though they might keep him active if there’s a chance for an earlier return.
Shanahan also provided an update on wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who’s undergoing tests for a shoulder injury. While an MRI showed no major issues, Jennings is now scheduled for a CT scan.
Purdy’s situation this week is somewhat uncertain, as he indicated that his toe injury is a larger concern than his shoulder. “I don’t know,” Shanahan said regarding Purdy’s status. “We have to see how it heals and how the week progresses.”
In the previous game, Purdy played a crucial role, leading a game-winning drive with a four-yard touchdown pass to Jateng, finishing with 277 total yards and two touchdowns, despite throwing two interceptions.
If Purdy cannot play against New Orleans this week, the team may turn to Mac Jones, who was signed as a free agent in March after previously being a New England draft pick.
Shanahan expressed satisfaction with what he’s seen from Jones, who has now returned to full health after a knee injury sidelined him during part of training camp. “I think he’s really getting used to what we’re doing,” Shanahan commented. “If he has to go this week, the guys trust him, and I know he’ll do his job.”
Kittle was injured in the second quarter of the last game, having contributed four catches and a touchdown for 25 yards before getting hurt. His absence will certainly impact the team’s dynamics, though Tong stepped in to replace him and had three catches, including a touchdown of his own.
Throughout his career, Kittle has faced a few minor injuries but has generally been reliable, playing at least 14 games in seven of his eight seasons. He led the team last season with 78 catches, gaining 1,106 yards and scoring eight touchdowns.
In another roster update, the 49ers agreed to bring back receiver Kendrick Bourne, potentially for up to $5 million, which could be significant given Kittle’s and Jennings’s injuries.
Right guard Ben Burt also sustained a mild knee sprain during the game, adding to the team’s injury woes.
Punter Competition on the Horizon?
Shanahan mentioned the possibility of re-evaluating the kickers after Jake Moody missed two field goals in the last game. Moody missed a 27-yard attempt in the first half and had a 30-yard attempt blocked in the second half—marking the first time in 19 years the Niners missed two attempts from within 40 yards during a single game.
After returning from an ankle injury last season, Moody has struggled, making only five out of his last 14 attempts from 40 yards or more. The team had previously brought in Greg Joseph for competition during the offseason but let him go early in camp. Shanahan indicated they might be looking to add another kicker this week, stating, “We’re looking at everything now. We have options.”
