While the San Francisco 49ers started off their 2025 NFL schedule with a 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, there are definite reasons for their fans to be concerned.
For a second year in a row, injuries are piling up. Star tight end George Kittle had to leave early due to a hamstring injury and is expected to miss a few weeks as a result. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who delivered a clutch, game-winning drive after throwing two interceptions, has a bad shoulder and toe that could force him to miss Week 2.
Then there is the matter of embattled kicker Jake Moody, who was wildly inconsistent last season. Although he made a key field goal in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 10, he missed his two earlier attempts.
Niners Faithful have been calling for him to be replaced for a while. But coach Kyle Shanahan said that he’s sticking with the third-year man.
“Right now, I have no question,” Shanahan said when asked if Moody’s starting job was in question. “I’m trying to finish today, get on a plane and evaluate stuff, and go back at it. Ask me every day and I’ll answer how I am right at that moment.”
Shanahan when asked why there is “No question” Jake Moody is staying on the team. pic.twitter.com/GftavUYcvC
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) September 7, 2025
However, per KNBR radio in San Francisco, Shanahan said the team is keeping its options open.
“We’re looking into all that stuff now, there’s options … I know the personnel department is going to look into all that stuff and give us those options.”
Kyle Shanahan update on whether Jake Moody will remain with the 49ers: “We’re looking into all that stuff now, there’s options … I know the personnel department is going to look into all that stuff and give us those options.” pic.twitter.com/hHRjRclYYx
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 8, 2025
Read more: Falcons Receive Major Injury Update on Drake London
Moody, a third-round draft pick in 2023 out of the University of Michigan, had a solid rookie season, making 84% of his field-goal attempts and all but one of his 61 extra-point attempts. But he missed an extra point try in that season’s Super Bowl before the Niners lost in overtime, 25-22, to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last season, he made just half of his field-goal attempts from at least 40 yards out. On Sunday, one of his attempts hit the uprights, and the other one he was unsuccessful on was blocked.
Positive Signs for the 49ers
At the same time, there are reasons for 49ers fans to be encouraged after Sunday’s win.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey was listed as questionable due to a calf ailment. But he played, and he looked like his usual self. He rushed for 69 yards and added 73 receiving yards on nine receptions.
Read more: 49ers Prediction Bodes Well For Christian McCaffrey
Ricky Pearsall, a first-round pick by San Francisco last year who survived an armed robbery attempt just before the start of the 2024 regular season, had a breakout performance. He tallied 108 yards on just four catches, and his 45-yard reception with 2:38 left in the fourth quarter put the team in position to score the go-ahead touchdown.
Defensive end Nick Bosa made the game-saving play with 42 seconds left by sacking Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold and forcing a fumble that he recovered.
For more on the 49ers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
The post 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan on Kicker’s Status After Shaky Week 1 Outing appeared first on Newsweek.
