George Kittle injury update: 49ers make major roster decision on star TE amid hamstring issue

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to place Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury suffered in Sunday’s season-opener vs. Seattle, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. Kittle will now miss the 49ers’ next four games against New Orleans, Atlanta, Jacksonville and the Los Angeles Rams while on injured reserve.

The 31-year-old Kittle appeared to suffer a hamstring injury after coming up limping following a run block early in the second half of Sunday’s 17-13 win over the Seahawks. Prior to the injury, Kittle was having quite the game, haulling in all four of his four targets for catches, including a 5-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to go ahead 7-0 in the first quarter.

Kittle’s loss is significant for the 49ers, especially given the relationship the six-time Pro Bowl tight end has developed with Purdy. Last season, Kittle earned his third-straight Pro Bowl appearance after hauling in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight receiving touchdowns in 2024. It was his second straight 1,000-yard receiving season and the fourth of his nine-year NFL career.

San Francisco 49ers to potentially be without Brock Purdy

Kittle is not the only health-related problem the 49ers are going to be dealing with moving forward. Quarterback Brock Purdy should find his name on the injury report moving forward and is now in question for their matchup in New Orleans for Week 2.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Purdy is dealing with separate injuries coming out of the opener with issues with his left shoulder and a toe. That has put his status as questionable for this weekend’s game against the Saints, with QB Mac Jones possibly getting the start in that one for San Francisco come Sunday.

“Brock Purdy has a left shoulder and toe injury that make him uncertain for Sunday’s game in New Orleans. Kyle Shanahan said the team will see how the practice week goes,” Schefter tweeted out on Monday evening. “If Purdy cannot play, 49ers backup QB Mac Jones would be in line to start.

“Brock Purdy has a left shoulder and a toe injury that now leave him uncertain for Sunday’s game in New Orleans,” Schefter added in an update later on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. “If Purdy cannot start for the 49ers, Mac Jones would be in line to start. It sounds like that that will happen. Kyle Shanahan wants to see how the practice week goes for Purdy.”

— On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this report.