The San Francisco 49ers’ hopes for a rapid revitalization have taken a serious hit just one week into the new season.
Tight end George Kittle is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, sidelining him for at least the team’s next four games.
The move comes just two days after Kittle exited the 49ers’ 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter. He did not return and finished with four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown.
Kittle isn’t the only member of the Niners facing uncertainty regarding his availability, as quarterback Brock Purdy is also dealing with left shoulder and toe injuries that leave his status for a Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints in question.
How long will George Kittle be out?
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Kittle would miss ‘a few weeks.’ With the move to injured reserve, however, Kittle will miss contests against the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams, at minimum. San Francisco’s extended time off following its ‘Thursday Night Football’ tilt with the Rams in Week 5 could help facilitate a return for the six-time Pro Bowl tight end if he’s deemed healthy enough to return.
49ers’ TE depth chart
Luke Farrell
Jake Tonges
Farrell played in 57.9% of the team’s offensive snaps on Sunday, but the fifth-year veteran is deployed primarily as a blocker. Tonges, meanwhile, not only recorded his first career reception Sunday but also hauled in the game-winning 4-yard touchdown from Purdy in the final two minutes.