The shorthanded San Francisco 49ers are dealing with a host of short- and long-term injuries, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
On Thursday, with the 49ers gearing up to play the host Los Angeles Rams, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport offered some updates on tight end George Kittle and wide receivers Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk on Amazon Prime’s pregame show.
In short, it looks like the 49ers could get some reinforcements back for Sunday, Oct. 12, when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Kittle: “Been on IR since Week 1 with a hamstring injury. My understanding is he’s had no setbacks, he is doing great. There is a real chance he is back next week.”
On Jennings: “Dealing with ankle and ribs. He could be back next week.”
On Pearsall: “PCL sprain. He could be back next week.”
On Aiyuk (torn ACL and MCL with additional damage to his knee): “Has not played yet this season, coming off major surgery. I am told he is still weeks away.”
The 49ers are also without starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who is out with a toe injury. Purdy missed Weeks 2 and 3 with the toe injury but returned for last Sunday’s 26-21 loss at home versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Purdy felt discomfort with the toe, though, leading to him resting for the Rams game. Mac Jones has replaced Purdy in the lineup and may do so in the short-term future.
Rapoport provided more information on Purdy.
The 49ers are also notably without five-time Pro Bowl edge-rusher Nick Bosa for the remainder of the year due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 3.
Potentially having Kittle, Pearsall and Jennings back for the game against the tough Bucs, the reigning NFC South champions who have started this year hot at 3-1, would be huge for San Francisco, though.
Kittle is a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro with four 1,000-yard seasons to his name.
Jennings has had some big games for the 49ers, including a five-catch, 89-yard, one-touchdown outing at the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.
Pearsall led the 49ers in receiving through four weeks with 327 yards.
That’s a lot of production back in the mix as the 49ers look to return to the playoffs after missing the postseason last year.