Posted on Sep 08

49ers' Shanahan: "Kittle is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks" due to injury

Posted Sep 8, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers face significant challenges heading into their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, as key players George Kittle and Brock Purdy are both dealing with injuries.

Why it matters: The absence of Kittle and uncertainty surrounding Purdy could fundamentally alter the 49ers' offensive strategy.

Kittle, a pivotal player in both the passing and run games, is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks following a hamstring injury suffered during the first half of the Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Purdy's dual injuries—a left shoulder issue and a toe injury—further complicate the team’s plans. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated that Purdy's status will depend on how he progresses throughout the practice week.

What’s new: In light of these injuries, the 49ers have signed former wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.

Bourne’s familiarity with the 49ers’ offensive scheme could provide a much-needed boost to a receiving corps that may need to adjust its role without Kittle.
Additionally, Jauan Jennings, another receiver, awaits further imaging results after an injured shoulder, adding more uncertainty to the receiving group.

Yes, but: While the 49ers won their opening game against the Seahawks 17-13, sustaining momentum will be crucial.

Without Kittle, the 49ers will likely rely more on their other receivers and running backs like Christian McCaffrey to stretch the field and maintain their offensive efficiency.
This shift in focus could lead to increased usage of play-action passes, a staple of Shanahan's West Coast offense, particularly if Purdy can participate.

What to watch: How the 49ers adapt their offensive scheme in Kittle's absence will be crucial.

If Purdy is unable to play, Mac Jones is poised to step in as the potential starting quarterback, which could lead to different offensive dynamics given his playing style compared to Purdy.
The 49ers must also assess how the absence of Kittle impacts their blocking schemes, especially in the run game where Kittle excels at sealing the edge.

Between the lines: The next few days are critical for the 49ers as they prepare for their pivotal matchup against the Saints.

Shanahan remains optimistic about Purdy's recovery, stating, "We will see how the practice week goes before deciding on Purdy's availability." This statement underscores the team's cautious approach to managing injuries while still aiming for success on the field.

The bottom line: With injuries to two key offensive players, the 49ers will need to quickly recalibrate their strategies and depth chart.

Success against the Saints will require not just adjustments in personnel, but also innovative play-calling to maximize the strengths of available players under pressure.

49ers' Shanahan: "Kittle is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks" due to injury

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 8, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers face significant challenges heading into their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, as key players George Kittle and Brock Purdy are both dealing with injuries.

Why it matters: The absence of Kittle and uncertainty surrounding Purdy could fundamentally alter the 49ers' offensive strategy.

Kittle, a pivotal player in both the passing and run games, is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks following a hamstring injury suffered during the first half of the Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Purdy's dual injuries—a left shoulder issue and a toe injury—further complicate the team’s plans. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated that Purdy's status will depend on how he progresses throughout the practice week.

What’s new: In light of these injuries, the 49ers have signed former wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.

Bourne’s familiarity with the 49ers’ offensive scheme could provide a much-needed boost to a receiving corps that may need to adjust its role without Kittle.

Additionally, Jauan Jennings, another receiver, awaits further imaging results after an injured shoulder, adding more uncertainty to the receiving group.

Yes, but: While the 49ers won their opening game against the Seahawks 17-13, sustaining momentum will be crucial.

Without Kittle, the 49ers will likely rely more on their other receivers and running backs like Christian McCaffrey to stretch the field and maintain their offensive efficiency.

This shift in focus could lead to increased usage of play-action passes, a staple of Shanahan's West Coast offense, particularly if Purdy can participate.

What to watch: How the 49ers adapt their offensive scheme in Kittle's absence will be crucial.

If Purdy is unable to play, Mac Jones is poised to step in as the potential starting quarterback, which could lead to different offensive dynamics given his playing style compared to Purdy.

The 49ers must also assess how the absence of Kittle impacts their blocking schemes, especially in the run game where Kittle excels at sealing the edge.

Between the lines: The next few days are critical for the 49ers as they prepare for their pivotal matchup against the Saints.

Shanahan remains optimistic about Purdy's recovery, stating, "We will see how the practice week goes before deciding on Purdy's availability." This statement underscores the team's cautious approach to managing injuries while still aiming for success on the field.

The bottom line: With injuries to two key offensive players, the 49ers will need to quickly recalibrate their strategies and depth chart.

Success against the Saints will require not just adjustments in personnel, but also innovative play-calling to maximize the strengths of available players under pressure.