The 49ers will be without tight end George Kittle for at least three games. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco on Saturday reported Kittle will go on injured reserve as he deals with a calf injury.
Kittle missed two days of practice leading up to Week 4, and then didn’t practice in the lead up to Week 5 where he was listed as ‘doubtful’ on the final injury report.
Last season Kittle missed eight games with knee and foot injuries. Now he’ll be required to miss at least three games according to the NFL’s IR rules.
Kittle in four games this season has 19 receptions for 227 yards. He’s San Francisco’s second-leading receiver.
Ross Dwelley figures to slide into the starting tight end role with Charlie Woerner working as the second tight end. Jordan Matthews, who made a switch to TE from wide receiver this offseason is on the 49ers’ practice squad and could be elevated to the active roster for Week 5 in Arizona.
The 49ers have a Bye next week, so the earliest Kittle could return is Week 9 at Levi’s Stadium against the Cardinals assuming he goes on IR prior to Week 5.