49ers HC Kyle Shanahan wants to sign familiar WR after Sunday's injuries

The already shorthanded San Francisco 49ers offense saw two pass catchers leave Sunday's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (shoulder) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) will undergo MRIs. 

Per David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone, head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media after the game that he is still trying to sign wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.

"I know he hasn't signed with [a team], so I know it's a possibility we can get him," Shanahan said of Bourne. "I know we're still trying. Hopefully, that can work out."

Kendrick Bourne would help the San Francisco 49ers

The loss of Jennings and Kittle could influence the 49ers to sweeten the pot for Bourne. San Francisco offered the veteran pass catcher a deal this summer, but he opted to wait and weigh his options.

Bourne started his career with the 49ers in 2017 when he was signed as an undrafted free agent. He spent four seasons in San Francisco before joining the New England Patriots in 2021. The Patriots cut him after training camp in August.

Bourne has appeared in 111 games and started 34, recording 292 receptions for 3,714 yards and 22 touchdowns in his first eight years in the NFL.

WIthout a healthy receiver corps, quarterback Brock Purdy looked shaky for most of the game Sunday after leading the 49ers to a touchdown on their opening drive. He led San Francisco on a seven-play 68-yard drive late in the fourth quarter to give the team a 17-13 lead that they wouldn't relinquish.

Second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall was Purdy's top target, finishing with four receptions for 108 yards. Adding a player like Bourne will help the offense until Brandon Ayiuk is ready to return from the ACL injury he suffered in 2024.