The San Francisco 49ers injury issues don’t stop at wide receiver.
With Brandon Aiyuk out and Deebo Samuel dealing with pneumonia, tight end George Kittle figured to be a significant piece of San Francisco’s offensive attack Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys. With Aiyuk and Samuel out for most of Week 7, Kittle racked up team-highs in targets (seven), receptions (six) and receiving yards (92). Unfortunately for the 49ers, he also sustained a foot sprain that has his status in question for Week 8.
George Kittle injury update
Kittle’s foot sprain kept him out of practice Wednesday. He was limited Thursday and Friday and will officially be questionable against the Cowboys. That he was able to participate in the last two days of practice bodes well for his chances. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday said he was hoping the injury wouldn’t keep Kittle out of Sunday’s game, but he didn’t improve enough during the week to be listed without a designation.
San Francisco not elevating undrafted rookie TE Mason Pline from the practice squad could be a sign the team feels good about Kittle’s status.
How long will George Kittle be out?
It doesn’t appear the foot sprain is anything major given that Kittle was back on the field for two days of practice ahead of Week 8. If he can’t go Sunday, he’ll have the 49ers’ Week 9 Bye to recover before the team travels to Tampa Bay in Week 10. It stands to reason he’ll be back for that Week 10 game at the latest if he doesn’t deal with any setbacks.
San Francisco 49ers TE depth chart
The 49ers are not particularly strong at tight end, which adds some urgency to Kittle’s injury situation.
Eric Saubert
Jake Tonges
Brayden Willis
Saubert filled in against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 when Kittle was out, but he’s more of a blocker than a pass catcher. Tonges has only played 25 offensive snaps this season, and Willis has only been active for one game and played four offensive snaps.
Pline is the only internal depth option and he’s yet to play in an NFL game.