The San Francisco 49ers were fortunate to emerge from their Week 1 with a win, but not without a serious injury toll. On top of the Jauan Jennings and Georgie Kittle injuries, quarterback Brock Purdy suffered both a shoulder and toe injury against the Seattle Seahawks, with the toe injury being the larger concern.
As coach Kyle Shanahan put it, “it’s a possibility” that Purdy won’t clear Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. If that happens, veteran Mac Jones is expected to get the start for the Niners.
With Purdy uncertain, the offense finds itself (again) in dire need of production, that means other weapons must step up.The recent resigning of Kendrick Bourne was supposed to alleviate the offense a little bit but with the loss of Purdy it feels like we are right back at square one. Bourne brings experience and timing with San Francisco’s offense that no new addition can replicate quickly since he is already familiar with Shanahan’s offense.
Ricky Pearsall, fresh off a breakout in game one, is suddenly forced into a leadership role in the pass game. He built rapport with the team from his production in Sunday's win, which instills confidence in him for the rest of the team heading into Week 2 regardless of who is under center at quarterback.
Another potential is wide receiver Jennings, whose shoulder injury initially clouded his status. Fortunately, MRI results came back clean, and he’s now listed as day-to-day. Even with limited snaps he would provide reliable hands.
Then there’s running back Christian McCaffrey, whose health is as crucial as ever. They did a good job protecting him in Week 1, but the possibility of being without Purdy this Sunday means McCaffrey will be forced to be more involved.
Adding Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell at tight end fills the void left by George Kittle’s hamstring injury. Although without Kittle’s physicality, the ground game and short-yardage passing may require a heavier reliance on McCaffrey’s versatility.
If the 49ers are forced to bring in Jones, the offensive line will need to step up massively. Week 1 exposed significant pass-blocking issues for San Francisco.The Seattle defense had 21 pressures, and the offensive line struggled to contain their rush, highlighting the liability that is the Niners' offensive line.
With Trent Williams still working his way back and guard Ben Bartch and center Jake Brendel anchoring the line, the O-line must deliver improved cohesion and consistency in Week 2. A fortified front five would not only give Jones, or Purdy, more time in the pocket but also keep the offense upright amidst an injury crisis.
If Purdy can't go, Mac Jones will step in and step up and he won’t be alone. The 49ers are counting on Pearsall, Bourne, Jennings, McCaffrey, and their tight ends to carry the load and protect whoever is the starting QB. The offensive line will need to elevate its protection, especially after allowing pressure on nearly 60% of dropbacks in Week 1. The effectiveness of these position groups surrounding Jones will determine the outcome to Week 2 against the Saints.