The San Francisco 49ers kicked off the 2025 season with a dramatic 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and it was anything but an easy win for the Niners. Niner fans watching can agree they barely escaped with a win, with the team not displaying its full potential yet. This leaves fans hopeful for the future, as long as the team can stay healthy.

For most of the game, the Niners looked shaky, with short and unproductive drives on offense and mistakes on special teams keeping Seattle close. These crucial mistakes on special teams almost cost the Niners. Jake Moody struggled, going only 1-for-3, missing a 27-yard field goal and later having a 36-yard field goal attempt blocked after a breakdown in protection. Although the blocked field goal wasn’t Moody’s fault, Shanahan still didn’t trust his kicker and instead leaned on risky fourth-down plays. Moody’s inconsistency in performance is hurting the Niners, with fans and teammates alike questioning if he can pull through in big moments. However, with his recent performance, don’t be surprised to see a new kicker next week.

Nevertheless, the game wasn’t completely bad for the Niners. The headline moment came from an unlikely hero. Local third-string tight end Jake Tonges scored the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute left on the clock. The former Cal Bear delivered in a big moment on his first NFL career touchdown, making it one to remember.

Brock Purdy was a mixed bag, throwing for 277 yards and two touchdowns but also two picks. Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall led the way with 108 receiving yards, making some vital catches in the game. Christian McCaffrey added 142 total yards despite still coming off his calf injury. On defense, Nick Bosa delivered a clutch strip-sack in the final minutes to seal the victory.

The most concerning issue besides Moody is the ever-growing injury list. The Niners have always had a reputation for players being injury-prone and injuries always seeming to pile up at the worst times, and that’s what always hurts them in the postseason. George Kittle left with a hamstring injury during the second quarter and is expected to miss possibly three to five weeks. Purdy, meanwhile, is dealing with both a shoulder injury from a hit in the first half and a toe injury. His availability for Week 2 is questionable, with Shanahan calling him “day to day” to see his status. Additionally, Jauan Jennings is out with a shoulder injury, with his status also questionable.

So while the Niners are 1-0, it looks like depth will be tested, and more players like Tonges need to step up and make a name for themselves. This is a great opportunity for younger guys who don’t get as many touches, but the Niners’ deep-rooted issue of injury proneness needs to be studied and fixed. Too many key players are either hurt or not fully healthy, making fans nervous to see how the rest of the season plays out.

Looking ahead to Week 2, the Niners travel to face the New Orleans Saints. This will be the true test for the Niners’ depth chart and coaching staff to see how they scheme with so many key weapons missing.