It is sounding increasingly unlikely that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has his most dangerous offensive weapon when his San Francisco 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks tonight. NBC Sports Bay Area is reporting that the team doesn't expect Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle to be available for the NFC West showdown.
The #49ers do not expect George Kittle to be available tonight to face the #Seahawks. So here are five to watch:
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 11, 2019
5, DE Dee Ford
4, WR Deebo Samuel
3, LB Dre Greenlaw
2, ???
1, ???https://t.co/vevxhwvh6Y
That may become official when the 49ers announce their seven inactive players for tonight's game. The team could make a roster move with Kittle unlikely to play, potentially activating tight end Garrett Celek from the Physically Unable to Perform list or promoting tight end Daniel Helm from the practice squad. Any such move would need to be made before the 1 p.m. PT deadline.
Kittle is dealing with knee and ankle injuries sustained during the 49ers' Week 9 win over the Arizona Cardinals and did not practice over the past week.
Kittle leads the 49ers with 46 receptions for 541 yards while contributing two touchdowns. His 299 yards after the catch rank No. 2 in the NFL (Darren Waller, OAK, 302), and his overall Pro Football Focus grade of 93.7 leads all NFL players.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Saturday that he was holding out hope that Kittle would play against Seattle. The tight end was listed as "doubtful" on Saturday's injury report.
