49ers News
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for a pivotal Week 2 matchup in New Orleans, but quarterback Brock Purdy is unlikely to take the field. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday that Purdy is a “long shot” to play after sustaining injuries to his toe and left shoulder during the opener. The toe issue is considered the bigger concern, and while the shoulder is on his non-throwing side, both injuries limited Purdy’s ability to practice this week.
With Purdy sidelined, Mac Jones is expected to make his first start for San Francisco. Jones, a former first-round pick out of Alabama, has experience from previous stops with New England and Jacksonville. His arrival in San Francisco was meant to stabilize the backup role, and now he may be called upon much earlier than the team planned. Shanahan acknowledged that Jones will have to adjust quickly to the 49ers’ system and will not have the full arsenal of weapons available.
The offense is already without Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle, who was placed on injured reserve this week with a hamstring injury. He will miss at least four games. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is also managing a shoulder injury suffered in the opener. He did not practice on Wednesday and remains questionable for Sunday.
The team’s training staff limited several other stars during midweek work, though those absences were described as precautionary. Running back Christian McCaffrey sat out with a calf issue, and veteran left tackle Trent Williams rested a sore knee. Both are expected to be available for the game, but their health is being closely monitored.
That leaves Jones facing a Saints defense that will look to exploit an offense without its starting quarterback and top tight end. Brandon Aiyuk, who entered the year as one of the team’s featured targets, continues to work back from a knee issue of his own and was not a full participant in practice. Depth receivers and backup tight ends are expected to see expanded roles if both Aiyuk and Jennings remain limited.
For San Francisco, the game plan may rely heavily on McCaffrey and the ground attack. Shanahan hinted at a more balanced approach but emphasized that Jones must manage the offense efficiently, avoid turnovers, and lean on the team’s offensive line. The 49ers defense, anchored by pass rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, will also be expected to keep the contest within reach.
The 49ers enter New Orleans with playoff expectations but face early adversity. Purdy’s absence tests the depth of their roster, while Kittle’s injury removes a key safety valve for any quarterback under center. If Jones starts, he will be judged on his ability to steady the offense and prevent a second-week stumble.
The Saints will look to take advantage of a depleted San Francisco squad, while the 49ers attempt to prove that their system and depth can withstand the loss of multiple stars.
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