49ers get positive Brock Purdy, George Kittle injury updates

49ers get positive Brock Purdy, George Kittle injury updates

The San Francisco 49ers are fighting the injury bug early in the 2024-25 NFL season. Sliding to 1-2 in the NFC West after falling to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, the 49ers are trying to hold on as their key players return to full health. The team received some cheerful news on quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.

Purdy, who had an MRI on his back earlier this week, is expected to be a full participant at Wednesday’s practice, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Kittle will be limited due to a hamstring injury.

The 49ers faced some heavy adversity in Week 3, with Kittle and star gadget player Deebo Samuel popping up as inactive. Purdy experienced back soreness following his 22-of-30 for 292 yards and three-touchdown performance against the Rams. The 49ers signal caller just began in his third campaign and made his 24th career start last Sunday.

Despite the limited options he’s had to work with, Purdy has respectably held it together. He’s averaged 280.6 passing yards with four touchdowns and one interception. The fact that he’s participating in full at this stage of the practice week, is a great sign that he’ll be ready to battle the New England Patriots on Sept. 29.

Kittle has missed San Francisco’s previous two games, which left Purdy with backup TE Eric Saubert and FB Kyle Juszczyk as his remaining options.

Carolina Panthers starting left guard Damien Lewis was notably absent from Wednesday’s practice as the team began preparations for their Week 4 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis, who is dealing with an elbow injury, is being closely evaluated by the medical staff. Head coach Dave Canales addressed the situation during a press conference, confirming that the 26-year-old has suffered a UCL injury.

“They gave us a really broad window on his recovery,” Canales stated. “We’re doing what we can to push him and see if he can get back out there, but right now, it’s up in the air.”

Lewis has quickly emerged as a crucial piece of the Panthers’ offensive line since signing a four-year, $53 million contract during the offseason. At 6-foot-3 and 332 pounds, he has anchored the line with an 80.9 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus, ranking him sixth among all guards in the league. His presence has been instrumental, particularly in recent weeks when veteran quarterback Andy Dalton stepped in for Bryce Young.