Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
49ers TE George Kittle’s injury situation ‘not good,’ according to report
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
If the latest report from Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network is any indication, then 49ers tight end
George Kittle may want to stay on the sidelines for Sunday's season opener against the Chicago Bears, and perhaps a little longer.
Wilson
shared some news on Kittle's groin injury Thursday afternoon, citing "league sources not authorized to speak publicly." Wilson stated that one source told him Kittle's injury is "not good", while another informed him Kittle has a Grade 2 strain that is limiting his speed.
"One of the top tight ends in the game and well known for his toughness, Kittle wouldn't shock anyone if he opted to play through the injury," Wilson wrote. "Nonetheless, his chances of playing nearly the entire season are considered much more likely if he sits out the season opener and doesn't further aggravate the injury."
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle's groin started bothering him on Monday, and as of Wednesday's practice Kittle's status for Sunday's game was uncertain. Kittle was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice on the 49ers injury report.
Kittle's absence would leave Trey Lance without one of his top offensive weapons entering into his third NFL start and his first as the 49ers' No. 1 quarterback. The 49ers would turn to
Ross Dwelley,
Charlie Woerner, and Tyler Kroft at tight end in Kittle's absence. Now in his eighth NFL season, Kroft is new to the 49ers in 2022 after spending 2021 with the New York Jets.
"We've been a fan of Kroft his whole career," Shanahan told reporters Wednesday. "I was a real big fan of him coming out of college. And he's done well everywhere he's been. He had some injury trouble last year, I think the last couple years he's struggled to stay out there. I think that's one of the reasons we were able to get him. But Kroft, he's an NFL tight end. We feel very fortunate to have him here."
Kittle was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his NFL career in 2021 after catching 71 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. He missed time with a calf injury last season after being limited to eight games due to knee and foot injuries in 2020.
Related News
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
George Kittle hopes 49ers offense can 'take another step forward'
George Kittle recently spoke with ESPN during the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, where he joined other NFL stars for the golfing event. Of course, the conversation shifted toward football, with Laura Rutledge asking Kittle to reflect on the team's 2023 season, its Super Bowl defeat, and the motivation it provides for the upcoming season.
The tight end believes San Francisco maintained a competitive roster this offseason and is gearing up for another run at a championship. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good health and continual improvement for a successful upcoming season.
"Brock Purdy is a fantastic quarterback, and he's only going to get better because he's young," Kittle said. "And we were fortunate enough to be able to keep our entire
Tom Brady 'not opposed' to NFL return with a playoff-bound team like the 49ers
Just when you thought the San Francisco 49ers and Tom Brady storylines had concluded, the future Hall of Fame quarterback drops another tidbit that sparks discussion. During an episode of "DeepCut with VicBlends," the host asked Brady what he would do if the NFL came calling once again.
VicBlends inquired if Brady would consider returning to the football field if a playoff-bound team like the 49ers needed him.
"I'm not opposed to it," Brady said, per Jordan Mendoza of USA Today. "I don't know if they're gonna let me if I become an owner an NFL team. I don't know, I'm always gonna be in good shape, always be able to
Brandon Aiyuk's agent denies report of Steelers 'aggressively pursuing' the 49ers receiver
On Wednesday, Chat Sports contributor Chase Senior reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were "aggressively pursuing" San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. He further stated that the Steelers are confident they can finalize a deal for the star player.
REPORTS: The Pittsburgh Steelers are aggressively pursuing a Brandon Aiyuk trade and the Steelers would be "surprised" if they don't land Aiyuk. Of note: Pittsburgh has the 20th overall pick. The Niners could look at that as equal value for Aiyuk if they can't get a deal done.…
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
