49ers’ Week 1 win came at a steep price as problems mount for Kyle Shanahan

George Kittle now out, Brock Purdy in question for Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints

The 49ers were already going into the 2025 season with injury concerns, an issue that has plagued the franchise for several seasons.

Christian McCaffrey had an alarming calf issue come out of seemingly nowhere in the days leading up to Week 1, but fortunately, he was good to go.

Jauan Jennings has also been dealing with an ongoing issue, and all of this is in addition to the ongoing absence of star receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is still recovering from a torn ACL.

The Niners needed Ricky Pearsall to step up, and he did so in a major way with his four catches for 108 yards against Seattle.

Brock Purdy threw the go-ahead touchdown with less than two minutes to play in the fourth quarter, on a 50/50 ball into the end zone. Tight end Jake Tonges came down with it over cornerback Riq Woolen, and that turned out to be the deciding factor in the game.

Unfortunately for the Niners, the win came at a cost.

Brock Purdy is banged up already, dealing with a left shoulder and a toe issue that make his status for next Sunday’s game against the Saints questionable.

Kyle Shanahan said the team will make a decision this week, depending on how practice goes. If Purdy can’t play, it will be backup quarterback Mac Jones leading the team.

That said, Purdy’s issue is only part of the problem. Superstar tight end and reliable target George Kittle landed on injured reserve today, with a hamstring issue that knocked him out of the opening game of the season.

Kittle will now miss at least four games, which will include matchups against the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the LA Rams.

Shanahan said the tight end will miss ‘a few weeks’, but couldn’t comment further.

49ers add Kendrick Bourne as a free agent, who may need to contribute immediately to a depleted unit

The 49ers signed Kendrick Bourne this week, bringing back a familiar face. Bourne had fallen out of favor with the new coaching staff in New England, and was granted his release.

The wide receiver spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Niners, having earned a roster spot as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

Now, the veteran is headed into his ninth year in the NFL, and posted on Instagram to say:

“Missed yall faithful! GOD IS THE GREATEST!

Bourne is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game and could see significant playing time if he can get up to speed.