A Niners Nightmare has unfolded for the San Francisco 49ers as they navigate a challenging start to the 2025 NFL season. Just one game in, the team has been hit with significant personnel changes on both special teams and offense. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the 49ers announced they were waiving kicker Jake Moody and placing star tight end George Kittle on injured reserve following their Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Kicking Competition Opens After Moody’s Release
The 49ers’ decision to waive Jake Moody comes after a series of shaky performances, culminating in a disastrous Week 1 outing against the Seattle Seahawks. Moody, initially drafted in the third round in 2023, missed two critical field goals in the opener. These included a 27-yard attempt and a 30-yard attempt that was blocked, according to reports from NBC Sports. This marked a dubious milestone: the first time in 19 years that San Francisco had missed two field goals inside of 40 yards in a single game.
Mounting Inconsistencies
Moody’s struggles weren’t confined to this single game. Over his previous two seasons, he had displayed inconsistency, missing four field goals in his rookie year and 10 of 34 attempts from beyond 40 yards in 2024. These statistics, highlighted by CBS Sports, put his job security in constant jeopardy. Despite head coach Kyle Shanahan initially expressing unwavering confidence in Moody, stating there was “no question” Moody would remain the kicker, as reported by Sports Illustrated, his stance clearly softened, leading to Tuesday’s decision.
Uncertainty in the Special Teams
The 49ers currently do not have another kicker on their active roster or practice squad, leaving their kicking situation shrouded in uncertainty. The team will need to act quickly to bring in a replacement before their next game. The pressure is on the coaching staff to evaluate available free agents and potentially make a trade to stabilize their special teams unit.
Kittle’s Injury Creates Offensive Void
Adding to the team’s concerns, Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Week 1 contest. Kittle’s absence represents a significant blow to the 49ers’ offensive capabilities. According to NFL.com, Kittle left the game early after recording four receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown in the 17-13 win.
Impact on the Offense
The hamstring injury will sideline Kittle for at least the next four games, making him eligible to return in Week 6. His absence will be keenly felt by the 49ers’ offense. Kittle is a primary target for quarterback Brock Purdy and a dominant blocker in the team’s rushing attack, as consistently noted by FOX Sports analysts. His versatility and reliability are cornerstones of the 49ers’ offensive scheme.
Upcoming Schedule During Kittle’s Absence
During Kittle’s time on injured reserve, the 49ers face a challenging stretch of games. Their schedule includes matchups against the Saints, Cardinals (or Falcons, depending on the source’s schedule interpretation; Medicine Hat News via AP and Sportsnet.ca via AP offer conflicting schedules), Jaguars, and Rams. A potential return could occur against the Buccaneers in Week 6. The team will need to find ways to compensate for Kittle’s production against these varied opponents.
Next Man Up
In Kittle’s absence, tight ends Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges are expected to step up and take on a larger workload. Tonges, in particular, is coming off a high, having caught the game-winning touchdown in Sunday’s opener. According to Reddit user adamschefter, the coaching staff has expressed confidence in both Farrell and Tonges’ abilities to contribute effectively. However, replacing Kittle’s overall impact will be a tall order.
Navigating the Double Blow
This “double blow” presents a significant challenge to the 49ers as they move forward into the 2025 season. Despite securing a Week 1 victory, the team must make immediate adjustments to both their special teams and offensive strategies. The loss of Moody and Kittle necessitates creative solutions and a reliance on the depth of the roster. The coaching staff will need to instill confidence in the replacement players and ensure that the team remains competitive during this difficult period.
Ultimately, the 49ers’ ability to adapt and overcome these early-season setbacks will define their trajectory for the remainder of the year. While the loss of key players is never ideal, it presents an opportunity for others to step up and prove their value. The team’s resilience and strategic adjustments will be critical factors in their pursuit of success in the 2025 NFL season.
