Kendrick Bourne returns to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, adding veteran WR depth as SF navigates Week 2 uncertainties from injuries to Jauan Jennings and George Kittle. Bourne’s familiarity with Kyle Shanahan could help him slot in quickly and stabilize the WR room while Tao—er, talent—like Brandon Aiyuk, Demarcus Robinson, and Ricky Pearsall share targets.

Week 1 featured a Pearsall breakout (4-108) but SF leaned on Christian McCaffrey catching nine passes. Bourne’s signing signals SF prioritizes depth and veteran reliability. In deeper leagues, Bourne becomes a late-round speculative add with eyes on Week 2 snap counts and how SF distributes targets if injuries linger.

Kendrick Bourne's return to San Francisco after Jauan Jennings' shoulder injury reshapes the 49ers' WR pecking order. Bourne, familiar with Kyle Shanahan's system, could contribute immediately if Jennings misses time, especially with Brandon Aiyuk out (PUP) and Cowing and Watkins banged up. In the short term, Pearsall, Valdes-Scantling, and Gage figure to pick up the rest of the workload, while Bourne stabilizes the group with veteran steadiness and route-running savvy.

Jennings' injury creates a window for Bourne and the supporting cast to prove value in a run-first, pass-efficient offense. Bourne's season-ready presence could elevate SF's floor in fantasy, but the exact roles will hinge on Aiyuk's status and Jennings' recovery, making Week 1 a vivid test of SF's depth at wide receiver.

George Kittle’s hamstring injury in Week 1 robs San Francisco of a premier target, forcing Brock Purdy to navigate a reshaped passing game while SF’s training staff evaluates his status. Fred Warner and Trent Williams also exited early, amplifying concerns about both sides of the ball. With Deebo Samuel sidelined, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling must rise quickly, and Purdy’s fantasy floor could tighten until the rookie receivers prove their Week 1 viability.

Kittle’s absence leaves a sizable void after a 2024 line of 78 catches, 1,106 yards, and 8 TDs. The 49ers will lean on Kittle’s supporting cast, and like Seattle’s defense, fantasy managers should monitor official injury updates closely. In the near term, Jennings, Pearsall, and MV-Scantling could carry a larger chunk of the aerial workload while Purdy stabilizes on quicker throws and yards-after-catch opportunities.

Jennings returns from contract drama, but his Week 1 impact will be limited after a preseason absence. San Francisco adds $3 million in incentives to his deal, yet the plan is to shield him as Kyle Shanahan rotates receivers. The offense may lean on McCaffrey’s health and on Marquez Valdes-Scantling backing up Jennings in Seattle.

Week 1 at Seattle sets the tone: Jennings is active but not at full strength,McCaffrey could be limited by a calf issue, and Valdes-Scantling steps in as a key depth option. Fantasy angles hinge on how Shanahan distributes snaps and targets in the opener.