The San Francisco 49ers walked into the Caesars Superdome for Week 2 already dealing with roster headaches. By halftime against the New Orleans Saints, those problems had multiplied in ways that would test every adjustment Kyle Shanahan could make.
How Are Mounting Injuries Affecting the 49ers’ Offense?
The 49ers’ troubles began early when left guard Ben Bartch left the game in the opening quarter with an ankle injury. However, that was just the beginning of San Francisco’s injury concerns.
Soon after, fullback Kyle Juszczyk was evaluated in the medical tent following a head injury in the second quarter. He was later diagnosed with a concussion and ruled out for the remainder of the contest. The veteran’s absence immediately created ripple effects across the offense that went far beyond losing a traditional fullback.
Kyle Juszczyk is out with a concussion for the remainder of the game.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 14, 2025
Juszczyk had been asked to take on expanded duties following George Kittle’s hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve after Week 1. Beyond his normal responsibilities as a fullback, he was being used to help cover the gap at tight end. Losing him midway through Sunday’s game left the 49ers without a traditional fullback and forced the coaching staff to adjust quickly.
With Juszczyk unavailable, the 49ers had to lean on tight ends Luke Farrell, Jake Tonges, and Brayden Willis for blocking support in the backfield. All three were already shouldering added work in Kittle’s absence, which only magnified the challenge of reorganizing the offense on the fly.
Shanahan’s system often depends on Juszczyk’s versatility, and his absence reduced some of the flexibility in both the passing and running attack. The fullback’s unique skill set allows the 49ers to create mismatches and maintain unpredictability, making his loss more than just a personnel issue.
What Does Juszczyk’s Absence Mean for Mac Jones and Christian McCaffrey?
The loss also placed greater responsibility on quarterback Mac Jones and running back Christian McCaffrey. Juszczyk’s blocking ability often creates favorable looks for McCaffrey in the ground game, and his absence against the Saints’ defense made sustaining drives more difficult. The veteran fullback’s presence typically helps establish the tone for San Francisco’s ground attack.
For Jones, the disruption to protection schemes and offensive rhythm further complicated the challenge of operating on the road. Without Juszczyk’s reliable hands and blocking, the quarterback had to navigate a more limited playbook while dealing with New Orleans’ defensive pressure.
Looking ahead, Juszczyk must now complete the league’s five-step concussion protocol before returning to action. His availability for the Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on September 21Â will depend on whether he can clear those medical requirements. Until then, the 49ers must plan to move forward without one of their most reliable and versatile offensive pieces.
The 49ers’ string of injuries has left the team scrambling early in the 2025-26 season. For a roster built on depth and creativity, losing multiple key players in successive weeks has put the spotlight on Shanahan’s adaptability as he tries to keep the team competitive while waiting for reinforcements.
