49ers may be without Kittle, Purdy against Saints

By Ross Jackson

The Week 2 matchup between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers is shaping up to look very different than initially expected. 

While the Saints are set to be without starting safety Julian Blackmon, the 49ers may be without numerous offensive contributors. 

Tight end George Kittle suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of the team’s Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan updated the local media on Monday that he will be out multiple weeks. 

49ers Pro Bowl TE George Kittle is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/HcPx4ai1YS

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2025

Additionally, the team is waiting to see how practice goes for starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who suffered multiple injuries (shoulder and toe) in the opening game. He has not been ruled out yet, but if practice reveals a larger impact than initially thought, the 49ers will start passer Mac Jones in his place. 

The initial reports suggest that the toe injury is the core of concern for Purdy. 

As if that weren’t enough, San Francisco is also awaiting additional results on wide receiver Jauan Jennings’ injured shoulder. To aid with that potential absence, the team has reunited with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne Monday. 

FA WR Kendrick Bourne is returning home to the San Francisco #49ers on a 1-year deal with a max value of $5M, per agent @HenryOrgann and @Agent_Big_Al of @disruptivesport. pic.twitter.com/f9Vb7pnDRV

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2025

These will be key injuries to monitor as the Saints prepare to host the 49ers on Sunday at noon CT. Meanwhile, Saints head coach Kellen Moore alluded to some additional injuries that will be monitored across practice. He did not provide many specifics, but right tackle Taliese Fuaga left Week 1’s game early and wide receiver Chris Olave battled at least a pair of injuries during the game as well.