SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The recent performance of the San Francisco 49ers’ offense has relied heavily on a plethora of playmakers, making it a challenge for defenses to effectively manage all the options. However, a slew of injuries has altered that dynamic, leaving quarterback Brock Purdy with limited reliable targets during the latter part of Sunday’s matchup, a 28-18 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a significant knee injury late in the first half, which was later confirmed as a torn ACL and MCL, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Additionally, Deebo Samuel exited the game due to an illness, while Jauan Jennings was sidelined with a hip injury. Compounding the issue, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has missed all season due to Achilles tendinitis, removing Purdy’s top checkdown option.
In the absence of these key players, Purdy found himself predominantly tossing to All-Pro tight end George Kittle, supplemented by four wide receivers who had a combined total of just two receptions going into the game this season.
“Adjustments had to be made during the second quarter and definitely at halftime,” Coach Kyle Shanahan commented. “These players stepped into roles they weren’t accustomed to. For the most part, they performed reasonably well and gave us a shot at coming back and winning. There’s potential to build on this.”
Currently sitting at 3-4, the 49ers are aiming to regain momentum, potentially seeking aid from newcomers like Rickey Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, as well as less-frequently utilized veterans Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell.
“Kyle is going to need to come up with some creative plays,” Kittle noted. “Fortunately, we still have players like Jauan Jennings, myself, (fullback Kyle Juszczyk), and Deebo. We have a roster full of talent that can make plays.”
With the trade deadline approaching on November 5, San Francisco may consider bolstering their roster to counterbalance the significant injuries they’ve encountered this season. “We evaluate every option,” Shanahan stated. “We generally assess our possibilities, and with the recent challenges we faced, it’s crucial to understand what available options can help us now without compromising our future.”
What’s Working: The pass defense has shown promise, containing Patrick Mahomes to 154 passing yards with no touchdowns and registering two interceptions, which contributed to a career-low passer rating of 44.4. The Niners have managed to secure multiple interceptions over two consecutive games.
What Needs Attention: The punt coverage unit has struggled, allowing Mecole Hardman to return a punt 55 yards, which established a short touchdown drive for the Chiefs. Throughout the season, the team has endured a variety of special teams failures, including a blocked punt, a fake field goal, significant punt returns, and a fumble on a kickoff return.
Stock Up: Pearsall deserves recognition for returning to the field just 50 days post-recovery from a gunshot wound to the chest. In his NFL debut, he played 48 snaps and secured three receptions for 21 yards.
Stock Down: Unfortunately, Purdy faced difficulties against the Chiefs defense, throwing three interceptions and recording a career-worst passer rating of 36.7, as he navigated the absence of key offensive players.
Injury Update: Samuel was hospitalized for pneumonia Sunday night, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming week. Jennings is also uncertain for this week’s game. Kittle (foot sprain) and Conley (ankle sprain) are day-to-day, while McCaffrey and kicker Jake Moody (ankle) are not expected to return until after the team’s bye week following Week 9.
Key Stat: Shanahan’s offensive strategies have struggled against Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s tactics. In four games against Kansas City under Spagnuolo, the 49ers have achieved a passer rating of 75.1, compared to a 99.7 passer rating in all other games since 2019.
What’s Next: The 49ers will host the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday before heading into their bye week.