The San Francisco 49ers are facing injury challenges early this season. Tight end George Kittle has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue, while quarterback Brock Purdy is likely to miss several games. Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated to reporters that Purdy is a “long shot” to participate in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints because of injuries to his toe and left shoulder. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport further reported that Purdy could be unavailable for anywhere from two to five weeks due to turf toe.
As a result, backup Mac Jones is expected to take over as the starter during this period.
49ers Upcoming Schedule
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 2 | at New Orleans Saints |
| 3 | vs. Arizona Cardinals |
| 4 | vs. Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 5 | at Los Angeles Rams (Thursday) |
| 6 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
Purdy’s injuries occurred during the 49ers’ 17-13 victory over the rival Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, where he completed 26 of 35 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. This offseason, Purdy signed a lucrative five-year, $265 million contract.
The 49ers struggled without Purdy last season, ending with two losses in similar situations, both by margins exceeding 23 points. As they move forward, the team is optimistic about Jones, whom they contemplated selecting as their No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft before ultimately choosing Trey Lance.
Jones spent last season with the Jaguars, where he recorded a 2-5 record as a starter, passing for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He previously played for three seasons with the New England Patriots, achieving an 18-24 record during that time and making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.
