They had the injury bug go nuclear on them, as the San Francisco 49ers did. No doubt they’re already focused on their Week 2 showdown with the New Orleans Saints. After Kyle Shanahan officially ruled out tight end George Kittle for the next few weeks, these feelings were amplified. He went down with a hamstring injury in the first half of the team’s season-opening win against the Seattle Seahawks. On top of that, Brock Purdy’s status is now in question as he tries to recover from injuries to his left shoulder and toe.
Shanahan disclosed the news regarding Kittle’s injury during a press conference, emphasizing the impact this will have on the team’s offensive strategy. That’s because Kittle, a critical cog in the Niners’ offense, hurt his groin on four snaps into their Monday night game against the Seahawks. This huge setback put the team in an impossible situation.
Brock Purdy came out of Week 1 with worries of his own. On the first day of riding, he caused significant damage to his left shoulder and toe. Now, his availability for this Sunday’s game against the Saints is in question. As for Purdy, Shanahan said all he can do is evaluate him through practice the rest of the week. With increased uncertainty surrounding Purdy’s health, questions about the team’s quarterback strategy going forward loom large.
Given all these injuries, the 49ers have made moves to strengthen their roster. They seem to be happy about their one-year agreement with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne that can get as high as $5 million. Bourne had spent the last three seasons with the 49ers prior to coming to New England. At this point in his career, though, what Williams brings as the receiving corps faces this brutal stretch of schedule.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has recently suffered the injury bug himself. He was just as excited to go get results on imaging of the shoulder that he injured. We are concerned, as the initial MRI did not show significant damage, but a CT scan is planned to allow a better look. The result of this scan will reportedly be key in deciding Jennings’ availability for Sunday’s game.
As the 49ers begin to look ahead to New Orleans, they have some tough questions looming about their lineup heading into the Big Easy. So Shanahan’s assessment of Purdy’s status will be key in determining how the team proceeds into Week 2. The 49ers need their guys to settle in fast enough to overcome the level of injury they’re currently seeing. They want to end as strongly as they started the season.
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