The Faithful had questions, and I've got the answers.

Each week throughout the season, fans will have the chance to submit their questions on Instagram, and I'll answer them here in this dedicated Q&A series. It's an opportunity to hear directly from the Faithful and highlight the storylines you care about most.

After opening the season on the road in Seattle, the 49ers now turn their attention to their next road game in New Orleans against the Saints. Let's dive into your questions!

Q: Who's going to shine this week? – @g_siah_gabriel

Running back Christian McCaffrey is primed for another big game. Against the Seahawks, he was everywhere. He ran the ball 22 times for 69 yards and adding nine catches for 73 yards through the air. That performance also pushed him past 4,500 career receiving yards, making him the fastest running back to reach that mark since at least 1970. This week, the matchup to watch will be McCaffrey against Saints linebacker Demario Davis. Both are elite at their positions, and how that battle plays out could go a long way in shaping the outcome on Sunday.

Q: How's it been with WR Kendrick Bourne back on the team? – @anthonyvalenzuela99

Bourne jumped right into practice this week and brought the same energy fans remember from his first stint with the 49ers (2017-20). He's leaning on familiar connections, including his chemistry with QB Mac Jones and his experience in head coach Kyle Shanahan's system, to get up to speed quickly. Bourne has been putting in extra time with the coaches and studying to make sure he's ready to contribute right away. In his own words, he's "here to work and help the team in any way," and that has already made an impact in the locker room.

Q: What's LB Fred Warner favorite song to listen to before game time? – @bigdogstunner316

According to what Warner shared with our social media team, he doesn't stick to just one pregame song. He likes anything loud with heavy bass, artists like Rick Ross and Meek Mill are go-to favorites. So if you've got them on your playlist, you're warming up like Fred.

Q: What happened to TE George Kittle? – @jenc3na, Q: Who's going to be our backup for Kittle? – @georgeldelacruzdjtuk200

Kittle is dealing with a right hamstring injury suffered in the win over Seattle and was placed on Injured Reserve this week. He'll be out a few weeks, missing matchups against the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Rams. In his absence, the 49ers will lean on Luke Farrell, Jake Tonges, and the versatile fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who's gotten some work with the tight ends although primarily working with the running backs group. Practice squad TE Brayden Willis is also a candidate to be elevated on game days if needed.

Q: How is QB Brock Purdy doing? – @evantheperson12

The 49ers quarterback has missed some practices while dealing with a turf toe variant and an issue in his non-throwing shoulder. John Lynch shared on KNBR that Purdy is "doing well" and attacking his rehab, calling it a week-to-week situation. "Brock's doing well, coming back from it," Lynch said. "We'll just treat it as such. He's doing a nice job, doing everything he can to get back out there as soon as possible. That's where we're at."

Q: What's the confidence level in QB Mac Jones? – @thekaterooney

First off, hi Kate! If Jones does have to step under center this week, the 49ers feel confident in what he brings. Shanahan highlighted his toughness, ability to play fast, and experience making the right reads. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak also praised how quickly Jones has adapted to the team's offense and put together a strong camp. If his number is called, the team trusts he'll be ready.

Q: Will K Eddy Piñeiro start? – @aubreyc707

Yup, signed to a one-year deal this week, Piñeiro will handle kicking duties for Week 2 against the Saints. He's one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, making 111 of 126 field goals in his career for an 88.1% success rate, ranking fourth all-time. Fun fact: Piñeiro is the first NFL player of Nicaraguan descent. A big shoutout to all my fellow Nicaraguan Niner fans!

Submit Your Questions

Each week, this series highlights questions directly from the Faithful. To have your question featured in the next edition, follow @49ers and @brianajeannel on Instagram and submit your question through the weekly Instagram story prompt.