What’s the latest on George Kittle’s injury? Update as Kyle Shanahan addresses 49ers star’s setback

George Kittle left San Francisco 49ers fans holding their breath as he exited Sunday’s season opener in the first half.

The star tight end suffered a hamstring injury with 10:06 left in the second quarter, having scored the Niners’ opening touchdown of the game against the Seattle Seahawks.

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He pulled up as he ran a route down the right sideline, on the same play that $265 million quarterback Brock Purdy was sacked.

Kittle, who recently made headlines when he hit back at the NFL for changing their rule on smelling salts, limped back to the sideline immediately went into the blue injury tent for assessment.

He was then officially ruled out for the rest of the game with two minutes remaining in the first half, and had emerged from the tent wearing a baseball cap, holding his helmet in his hand.

Without their star TE, the 49ers went on to secure a 17-13 win against the Seahawks.

How serious is Kittle’s injury and how much time could he miss?

Niners fans will be anxiously awaiting news on Kittle’s status, and post-game in Seattle, Kyle Shanahan failed to provide much of an update.

The head coach confirmed that the team has ‘got to get the MRIs and everything’ done on Monday, before they find out how serious the injury is.

Kittle missed two games in 2024 — in Weeks 3 and 11 — due to hamstring issues.

To make matters worse for San Francisco, wide receiver Jauan Jennings also left the opening game with a shoulder injury, and will have a scan Monday too.

Shanahan hints 49ers could sign offensive cover

While Coach Shanahan was unable to offer much of an update on Kittle and Jennings on Sunday, he did suggest the 49ers could look to fill a gap on offense.

If either player is ruled out for an extended period, the team will need to get creative to keep Purdy and the passing game moving.

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Free agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is one potential option, and Shanahan hinted San Francisco could bring him on board.

“I know he hasn’t signed with anyone, so I know it’s a possibility we can get him,” the head coach told reporters.

“I know we’re still trying. Hopefully that can work out.”

Bourne, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Niners before departing for the New England Patriots in 2021, would provide immediate relief for an already banged up offense.

Across eight seasons in the league, he has racked up 3,714 yards and scored 22 touchdowns.

Bourne’s experience could give Purdy a reliable target on most passing downs, should the Niners choose to sign him.

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Kittle replacement scores game-winning touchdown

While Bourne could provide cover for Jennings, San Francisco will be very happy with how Kittle’s tight end replacement impacted Sunday’s game.

Back-up Jake Tonges made three catches against the Seahawks, and scored the all-important go-ahead touchdown with 1:34 left.

Purdy scrambled and threw a high pass into the back-right corner of the end zone, where 26-year-old Tonges got up to snatch the ball away from Seattle cornerback Riq Woolen.

It was his first career score, one that secured a hard-fought win for the 49ers, and left Kittle celebrating on the sidelines.

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“I saw him throw it up. I wasn’t sure if he was throwing it away,” Tonges said of Purdy post-game.

“I caught it and looked down at my feet to make sure I was in bounds, and I kind of looked around for some flags.

“And it was silent, you know, because we’re on the road. I think it was Russell Gage — someone was like, ‘You scored! You scored!’”

With Tonges catching the game-winning touchdown in Week 1, the blow of Kittle’s injury was ever so slightly softened.

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But there’s no doubt the Niners are a better team with their star TE healthy, and Coach Shanahan will hope his hamstring injury is not too serious.

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