In a swift series of roster adjustments signaling a shift in strategy, the San Francisco 49ers have announced that tight end George Kittle is heading to injured reserve (IR) and kicker Jake Moody has been waived. This news, confirmed on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, by the 49ers organization, comes after their Week 1 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, a game that exposed vulnerabilities in both Kittle’s health and Moody’s consistency. The team also signed wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and released wide receiver Robbie Chosen. The moves highlight a crucial period of team recalibration for the NFC West contenders.
Kittle’s Injury Sidelines Star Tight End
George Kittle, a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offense and a six-time Pro Bowl selection in the last seven seasons, will be placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks. According to reports from NFL Network, the injury occurred in the second quarter, and the resulting IR designation means Kittle will be sidelined for a minimum of four games. This absence presents a significant challenge to the 49ers’ offensive scheme, as Kittle’s receiving prowess and blocking ability are integral to their success.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan initially indicated that Kittle would miss “a few weeks.” The IR stint became a certainty when it was determined that the injury would keep Kittle out for at least four weeks. Kittle will be eligible to return in Week 6. The timing of the injury compounds existing concerns on the offensive side, with wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee, PUP) and Jacob Cowing (hamstring, IR) already out of commission. Quarterback Brock Purdy is also managing shoulder and toe injuries, further straining the team’s offensive depth.
Impact on the Offense
With Kittle sidelined, the 49ers will need to rely on backup tight ends Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges to step up. Brayden Willis, currently on the practice squad, is also likely to be promoted to provide additional depth at the position. These players will need to quickly integrate into the offensive game plan to fill the void left by Kittle’s absence. The 49ers will need to find creative ways to compensate for the loss of their star tight end, potentially leaning more heavily on their running game or utilizing different receiving formations. The team’s ability to adapt will be crucial in maintaining their offensive productivity during Kittle’s absence, according to ESPN analysts.
Moody’s Struggles Lead to Release
In a corresponding move, the 49ers have waived kicker Jake Moody, ending what many are calling the “Jake Moody experiment.” This decision follows Moody’s inconsistent performance, most recently highlighted by his struggles in the Week 1 opener against the Seahawks. Moody missed two field goals in that game – a 27-yard attempt and a 36-yarder that was blocked. While he did manage to connect on a 32-yard field goal and convert both extra-point attempts, the misses proved costly and ultimately led to his release.
Moody, a 2023 third-round draft pick, entered the league with high expectations. However, he faced challenges throughout his rookie season and continued to struggle with accuracy, particularly on longer attempts, during the 2024 season. Despite initial expressions of confidence from Coach Shanahan, the team ultimately decided to move on from Moody in search of a more reliable option, as reported by Sportsnet.ca.
Kicking Competition Begins
With Moody’s departure, the 49ers are now without a kicker on their active roster or practice squad. The team is actively seeking a replacement and is reportedly bringing in veteran Eddy Pineiro for a workout, according to Pro Football Rumors. This situation creates immediate uncertainty for the 49ers as they prepare for their Week 2 game. The kicking position is often overlooked, but a reliable kicker can be the difference between victory and defeat in close games. The 49ers will need to quickly identify and sign a kicker who can provide stability and accuracy.
Looking Ahead: Replacements and Recovery
The 49ers face immediate challenges in replacing both Kittle and Moody. The team’s ability to effectively address these personnel losses will be crucial in maintaining their competitiveness throughout the season. The performance of the replacement players will be closely scrutinized, and the coaching staff will need to make strategic adjustments to maximize their strengths. The team also signed wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and released wide receiver Robbie Chosen.
Kittle’s recovery timeline will be closely monitored, and his return to the field will be a welcome boost to the offense. In the meantime, the 49ers will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to overcome his absence. The kicking situation also requires immediate attention, as the team cannot afford to enter Week 2 without a reliable option at the position. The coming days will be critical in determining the 49ers’ ability to navigate these roster changes and maintain their pursuit of a Super Bowl championship.
Sources
Information for this article was compiled from multiple sources, including:
- NFL Network
- Associated Press
- ESPN
- Sportsnet.ca
- NFL.com
- FOX Sports
- NBC Sports
- Pro Football Rumors
- KNBR
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers’ decision to place George Kittle on IR and waive Jake Moody represents a significant turning point early in the 2025 season. Kittle’s injury creates a void in the offense that will test the team’s depth and adaptability, while Moody’s release underscores the importance of consistent performance in the kicking game. As the 49ers seek replacements and adjust their strategies, their ability to overcome these challenges will be a key factor in their quest for success.
