The San Francisco 49ers did not have the best of starts to the new season. They managed to secure a Week 1 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, 17-13, but as it turns out, it came at quite a cost.
All-Pro tight end George Kittle is now looking at a multiple-week absence after injuring his hamstring in the season-opener. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was also forced to exit the Seahawks game, but reports have indicated that the MRI on his shoulder came back clean.
On top of that, star quarterback Brock Purdy also suffered a pair of injuries against Seattle, but it appears that the one-time Pro Bowler has avoided a serious concern.
The silver lining for the Niners is that running back Christian McCaffrey came out of their Week 1 win unscathed. The two-time All-Pro RB headed into the matchup with a questionable tag due to a calf problem, but McCaffrey erased any doubt about his health by handling 22 carries for 69 yards and nine receptions for 73 yards on 10 targets to help San Francisco go up 1-0 to start the season.
49ers fans got even more good news on Monday as the team announced that offensive lineman Colton McKivitz has agreed to a three-year extension that will keep him in San Francisco through at least 2028.
McCaffrey took to social media to share his reaction to the news. The former Offensive Player of the Year did not have any words for McKivitz's extension, instead opting to use the handshake emoji to express his feelings about the development.
Christian McCaffrey reacts to Colton McKivitz's 49ers extension
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) September 9, 2025
(via @christianmccaffrey on IG) pic.twitter.com/rnuJcfeOhj
When healthy, McCaffrey has been an absolute force for the Niners, but he would not be where he is had it not been for the offensive line. McKivitz is a key player in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and his ability to carve out running lanes and provide pass protection for his teammates is something that has and will continue to benefit McCaffrey moving forward.
The Niners are back in action on Sunday, September 14, as they go back on the road for a matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
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