The 49ers face a major setback as star tight end George Kittle is ruled out with injury and quarterback Brock Purdy remains questionable in concussion protocol, leaving Kyle Shanahan scrambling for answers and fans anxious about how the team will handle a pivotal matchup against the Saints.

The San Francisco 49ers are bracing for a critical test this weekend as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints without their star tight end George Kittle and potentially without quarterback Brock Purdy.

The news, which broke late Friday evening after the team’s final practice session of the week, sent shockwaves through the locker room and raised immediate concerns about how head coach Kyle Shanahan will adjust the offense for Sunday’s showdown at Levi’s Stadium.

Kittle, who has been a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offensive identity for years, was officially ruled out after struggling with a nagging groin injury that flared up during practice earlier in the week.

Despite hopes that rest and treatment might make him available, team doctors confirmed Friday that Kittle would be sidelined to prevent further complications.

His absence not only robs the 49ers of one of the league’s premier pass-catching tight ends but also eliminates a critical blocker in the run game.

“George means so much more than just his receptions,” Shanahan told reporters after practice.

“He’s a tone-setter, a guy who brings energy to every snap.

We’ll definitely feel his absence, but we’ve got guys ready to step up.”

Among those expected to fill the void are backup tight ends Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley, neither of whom possess Kittle’s elite versatility but both of whom have seen action in key moments.

As if losing Kittle weren’t enough, the 49ers may also be forced to play without Purdy, whose status remains up in the air after he was placed in concussion protocol earlier this week.

Purdy reportedly began experiencing symptoms following last Sunday’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals, and though he has progressed through some stages of the protocol, Shanahan admitted that “it’s going to come down to the wire.”

The uncertainty at quarterback has fueled speculation that veteran backup Sam Darnold could be pressed into action for the first time this season.

Darnold, who signed with the 49ers in the offseason after stints with the Jets and Panthers, has taken increased reps in practice and has received strong praise from teammates for his poise and preparation.

“Sam’s been locked in all week,” wide receiver Deebo Samuel said.

“If his number gets called, we all trust him to deliver.”

Still, the potential absence of both Kittle and Purdy raises serious questions about the 49ers’ offensive firepower.

Through the first three weeks of the season, Purdy has emerged as a steady leader under center, building on his remarkable rookie campaign and helping San Francisco maintain its reputation as one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams.

His chemistry with Kittle in particular has been a hallmark of the 49ers’ attack, and losing that connection would force Shanahan to reimagine the game plan against a Saints defense ranked among the league’s top units.

The Saints, led by head coach Dennis Allen, enter Sunday’s contest eager to capitalize on any vulnerabilities.

New Orleans boasts a defense anchored by All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis and standout pass rusher Cameron Jordan, both of whom will undoubtedly look to exploit San Francisco’s offensive uncertainty.

“We’re preparing for their system, not just their stars,” Allen said Friday, though he acknowledged that facing the 49ers without Kittle “definitely changes the dynamics.”

For San Francisco, the challenge will also be mental.

Kittle’s fiery leadership has long been a rallying force in the locker room, and his absence leaves a void in morale as well as in the huddle.

Purdy, meanwhile, has quickly earned the trust of his teammates with his calm demeanor, and losing him for even a single game could shift the emotional balance of a team that thrives on stability.

Fans, too, are grappling with the sudden wave of uncertainty.

Social media lit up with reactions to the injury reports, with one supporter writing, “No Kittle and maybe no Purdy? This is nightmare fuel.”

Another struck a more optimistic tone, tweeting, “Next man up — Shanahan always finds a way.

Time for Darnold to shine.”

The stakes of Sunday’s matchup only heighten the tension.

At 3-0, the 49ers are seeking to maintain their perfect start and keep pace in a competitive NFC landscape.

Dropping a game at home to the Saints, who have shown resilience despite early offensive struggles, could dent San Francisco’s momentum and raise questions about depth heading into the heart of the season.

Yet Shanahan and his players remain confident in their ability to adapt.

“We’ve dealt with injuries before, and we’ll deal with them again,” Shanahan insisted.

“That’s football.

The key is trusting each other and executing, no matter who’s on the field.”

Whether those words prove prophetic or overly optimistic will depend on how the 49ers respond to adversity on Sunday.

With Kittle already ruled out and Purdy’s availability still uncertain, San Francisco’s depth, creativity, and resilience will be tested like never before — and the outcome could have ripple effects far beyond a single game.