49ers Face Key Injuries, Backup QB Starts vs Saints

The San Francisco 49ers will be without quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle due to injuries as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Backup quarterback Mac Jones will start in Purdy's place, while key offensive lineman Trent Williams and wide receiver Jauan Jennings are listed as questionable but likely to play despite lingering injuries. Williams, a veteran with multiple injuries, has not played a full season since 2013 and missed significant time last season, raising concerns about his durability. On the Saints' side, injuries also affect their preparation, with edge rusher Chase Young and offensive tackle Trevor Penning still sidelined, while long snapper Zach Wood's elbow injury poses a potential special teams challenge. Wood's experience is critical to the Saints, and the team has identified a few players who could fill in if necessary, though they have yet to call in free agents. Both teams enter the matchup with significant injury concerns, particularly in key positions that could influence the game's physicality and flow.