49ers Lose Key Weapon: George Kittle Out for Several Weeks Following Injury
The San Francisco 49ers’ offense continues to be damaged by injuries to start 2025. Star tight end George Kittle, who was having a great first half, went down with a hamstring injury.
Before that point, he had tallied 25 yards on four receptions and seemed to be a comfortable safety valve for QB Brock Purdy.
Kittle was unable to return for the remainder of the action and will reportedly miss additional weeks.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters in San Francisco that Kittle is expected to “be out a few weeks.”
It was a big-time catch. Earlier in that drive he had his first NFL catch and it was followed the next play by his second. I want to say it was three plays later by the game winner. So, I think Brock just ended up getting confidence in him very quickly as the drive went.”
When asked if the 31-year-old may be placed on Injured Reserve, Shanahan said, “When they tell me a few weeks, it’s always a possibility.”
“In order to do that, it’s got to be a four-week injury,” he continued. “So, I don’t think we’ve decided on that yet.”
Undrafted in 2022, Jake Tonges stepped up for Kittle in Seattle, securing the first catch of his career.
And his first touchdown reception ended up being the game-winner, a promising start for the young player.
It was a big-time catch,” Shanahan said of Tonges on Monday. “Earlier in that drive he had his first NFL catch and it was followed the next play by his second.
“I want to say it was three plays later by the game winner,” he continued. “So, I think Brock just ended up getting confidence in him very quickly as the drive went on.”
Tonges will have more opportunity in Kittle’s absence, while the wide receiver room adds a familiar face in Kendrick Bourne, who reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with San Francisco.
The San Francisco 49ers are adding another target for Brock Purdy, bringing back a familiar face.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is reportedly re-signing with San Francisco on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dealing with a depleted WR room headed into Sunday’s season debut in Seattle, head coach Kyle Shanahan was utilizing tight end George Kittle in the pass game.
Broncos' Evan Engram Faces Injury Setback in Season Opener
In a promising start to the season, the Denver Broncos secured a 20–12 victory over the Tennessee Titans in their Week 1 matchup. However, the win was marred by an injury to newly acquired tight end Evan Engram. Engram exited the game in the second half due to a calf injury and was listed as questionable to return.
Injury Details:
Engram, who had three receptions for 21 yards before the injury, was seen heading to the blue medical tent and did not return to the game. The Broncos are now facing uncertainty regarding his availability for upcoming games, as calf injuries can be unpredictable and may require cautious management.
In a statement following the game, Engram reassured fans and teammates alike, saying:
“I’m not worried. This is just a bump in the road. I’ll be back stronger. The team needs me, and I’m going to push through this. The Broncos are on the rise, and I’m not going to let this hold me back.” — Evan Engram, Denver Broncos Tight End
Team Impact:
Engram's injury leaves the Broncos with limited options at the tight end position. With Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull as the only healthy tight ends, the team may need to explore alternatives, including utilizing practice squad players or considering free-agent acquisitions.
Looking Ahead:
The Broncos are expected to monitor Engram's condition closely and may opt for a conservative approach if the calf injury is deemed serious. With Engram's injury history and the team's current depth at the position, decisions regarding his participation in future games will be made with caution to ensure long-term health and performance.
