NEW ORLEANS — The San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 season is off to a promising 2-0 start, but a growing injury crisis threatens to derail their momentum. In a hard-fought 26-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the 49ers lost another key offensive weapon when versatile fullback Kyle Juszczyk suffered a concussion in the second quarter, forcing him to exit the game in distress.
Juszczyk
Juszczyk, a 12-year NFL veteran and one of the league’s most dynamic fullbacks, entered the blue medical tent late in the first quarter for evaluation before heading to the locker room. The team quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game, leaving a significant void in an already depleted offense. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the news on X, stating, “#49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk is out for the remainder of the game with a concussion.”
The injury adds to an alarming list of absences for San Francisco. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy (toe and shoulder injuries) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring, placed on injured reserve) were already sidelined before the game. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (shoulder) and Jacob Cowing, along with Jacob Watkins, have also been battling injuries early in the season. Additionally, starting left guard Ben Bartch left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury, with rookie Connor Colby stepping in to replace him.
Despite the mounting injuries, the 49ers managed to hold a 16-7 lead at halftime and secured the win, showcasing their depth and resilience. However, Juszczyk’s absence is particularly devastating given his multifaceted role in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Known for his versatility, Juszczyk lines up as a runner, blocker, and even tight end, especially with Kittle out for at least the next four weeks. His stat line before exiting— one reception for five yards—belies his importance to the team’s offensive scheme. Over his career, Juszczyk has amassed 282 receptions for 2,696 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning him a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier fullbacks.
Shanahan, no stranger to navigating injury challenges, emphasized the interchangeability of the fullback and tight end roles in his system. “It’s always been pretty blurred,” Shanahan said last week. “They’re almost the same thing. Just somewhat very small, different skill sets … We ask all of our tight ends to do what the fullback does too, in case we lose Juice in a game. So both of them, there’s a lot of carryover.” With Juszczyk sidelined, the 49ers turned to tight ends Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell, and Brayden Willis to fill the gap, but replacing Juszczyk’s unique skill set is no easy task.
The circumstances surrounding Juszczyk’s concussion remain unclear, as does the timeline for his return. Concussions are notoriously unpredictable, and the 49ers will likely take a cautious approach with their star fullback, especially given the team’s already thin roster. Left tackle Trent Williams (knee) and Jennings, who were listed as questionable during the week, managed to start against the Saints, but the team’s depth will be tested as the season progresses.
As San Francisco prepares for their next matchup, Shanahan faces the daunting challenge of keeping his offense on track without several of his top playmakers. The 49ers’ ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be critical as they aim to maintain their early-season success. For now, fans and the team alike will anxiously await updates on Juszczyk’s condition, hoping their indispensable weapon can return to the field soon.