Brock Purdy and George Kittle Join 49ers’ Injury List as Team’s Personnel Struggles Continue

The San Francisco 49ers have been bit by the injury bug ever since they made a great run to reach Super Bowl LVIII.

Brock Purdy and George Kittle Join 49ers’ Injury List as Team’s Personnel Struggles Continue

Brock Purdy and George Kittle joins 49ers' injury list (Image via Imago)

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The San Francisco 49ers could not continue their Super Bowl LVIII appearance with another shot at a ring after injuries became a stumbling block. This season, hopes were high as Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey helped them win their first game.

The game was not overtly exciting, but certain aspects showed promise. The return of McCaffrey was the highlight of the week after initially struggling with a calf injury. He ran for 69 yards and caught 73 yards as a receiver.

Kittle did not have a stellar game numbers-wise, but did enough to block and notched one touchdown. Purdy threw for 277 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his 2 interceptions need to be cleaned up. Now, it is unclear if the quarterback will play in their next game.

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

Adam Schefter revealed on X

After signing a monster contract extension this offseason, the hope was that Brock Purdy would lead the 49ers to a successful campaign. For that to happen, he needs to get in rhythm early, and missing time through injury is not the way to start.

The New Orleans Saints are not a team to be worried about, at least on paper. However, for a team that wants to fight for a Super Bowl, they need all their players to be healthy, and Purdy happens to be one of the most important ones.

49ers will not have George Kittle for some time

The next few days will determine if Brock Purdy will play or not. However, the same cannot be said about one of his favorite teammates, George Kittle, who will miss a few games.

49ers Pro Bowl TE George Kittle is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks with a hamstring injury.

Adam Schefter revealed on X

This news will hit the San Francisco 49ers hard as they are already thin at the receiver position. Brandon Aiyuk is on injured reserve, and Jauan Jennings is still not completely cleared to return after suffering a shoulder injury.

Kittle’s deputies, Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell, will get more opportunities, and the former will be tasked to continue his impressive outing in their season-opener. Even then, they cannot be asked to replicate the star tight end’s leadership, energy, and blocking.

49ers could start Mac Jones if Brock Purdy does not heal up

With George Kittle out for an extended period, the focus will shift to other players who can contribute. The 49ers have options in the tight end room and can go out and sign a free agent if needed.

Mac Jones could start against Saints
Mac Jones could start against Saints (Image via ML Football/X)

In the case of Brock Purdy, they only have Mac Jones as his backup. He might get the nod to start against the New Orleans Saints if their primary quarterback does not recover in time.

Jones has not had the best of moments since coming into the league, and his presence might not instill confidence among the 49ers’ faithful. However, they are facing a Saints team possibly looking to tank throughout the season.

Therefore, it will be up to the rest of the players to help the team move ahead and win this game. That should give Brock Purdy enough time to heal up and look to return in their first home game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals.

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