49ers’ Hit With Injury Setback As George Kittle Out For Weeks And Brock Purdy’s Status Questionable

The San Francisco 49ers face significant injury-based setbacks after the season-opening 17-13 win against the Seattle Seahawks. Tight end George Kittle sustained a hamstring injury that could sideline him for weeks, and quarterback Brock Purdy‘s injury status is questionable.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday that Kittle will “sit out for a few weeks” and be placed on injury reserve. The announcement doesn’t come as a surprise, as Kittle was sitting on the sidelines for most of the game because of the hamstring injury.

Kittle finished Sunday’s game with four catches for 25 yards and a single touchdown. Reports predict Kittle will be out for three to five weeks, projecting his return to be the Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“When they tell me a few weeks, it’s always a possibility,” Shanahan told reporters. “I mean, in order to do that, it’s got to be a four-week injury, so I don’t think we’ve decided that yet.”

Kittle isn’t the only player Shanahan is worried about losing. Purdy suffered two injuries during the opening game.

The quarterback suffered a shoulder injury during an incomplete pass to wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first half of the game. Purdy also injured his toe during the game, and Shanahan considered it more serious.

The 49ers don’t know yet if Purdy will be available to play Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Purdy finished 26 of his 35 attempted passes for 277 yards, resulting in two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Without the star tight end, Kittle, the team will rely heavily on backup tight end Jake Tonges during Kittle’s recovery. Tight end Luke Farrell and fullback Kyle Juszczyk will fill in the offensive depth. Veteran Mac Jones would get his start with the 49ers on Sunday if Purdy cannot play.

Shanahan emphasized the team depth despite the challenges presented in Week 1. The 49ers will play the Saints on Sept. 14 and play through the early-season adversity.