49ers' Kyle Shanahan Has Good News Amid George Kittle Injury Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 7:27 AM ET

The San Francisco 49ers were dealt a considerable blow after just one game played in the new NFL season. The Niners may have come out on top of their Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, 17-13, but they also lost two-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle to a hamstring injury.

After recording four receptions for 25 yards and one touchdown, Kittle was forced to exit Sunday’s contest in the second quarter after an issue with his hamstring. He was unable to return to the game, and MRI results revealed that the six-time Pro Bowler is expected to miss three to five weeks. This makes Kittle a candidate to be placed on injured reserve, which will keep him sidelined for at least four games.

Along with the bad news on Kittle came a favorable update on wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who also left the Seahawks game due to a shoulder injury. According to NFL reporter Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Niners have dodged a bullet with Jennings.

“The MRI on 49ers WR Jauan Jennings’ shoulder came back clean and the team still is waiting on a CT scan. But for now it sounds as if Jennings avoided the worst,” reported Schefter.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the news, along with a positive development on the fifth-year wideout. The Niners head coach revealed that Jennings does have a chance to play in their next game, per NBCS beat writer Jennifer Lee Chan.

Although, Jennings (two receptions for 16 yards against Seattle) is not out of the woods yet, but the fact that he could be available to suit up for Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints is a crucial development for the team. Shanahan could sure use Jennings' services, especially with Kittle set to miss multiple weeks.

As for the Saints, star quarterback Brock Purdy is also dealing with injuries to his toe and non-throwing shoulder. His status for the Saints game is currently up in the air.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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