On Friday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was unlikely to make his 2022 debut today against the Seattle Seahawks. Two days after Branch's report, ESPN's Adam Schefter still hears the same thing. The 49ers will likely play their home opener without their All-Pro offensive weapon.
49ers' TE George Kittle, questionable for Sunday due to a groin injury, is not expected to play vs. the Seahawks, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2022
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Kittle will be a game-time decision, though, indicating that there remains a chance that the tight end will be suited up for this afternoon's action.
#49ers TE George Kittle, who missed last week with a groin ailment, is expected to be a game-time decision, source said. Originally a three-week injury, Kittle missed the first week, but is pushing to go. He practiced Friday, opening the door to today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2022
Kittle practiced on Friday. Although, he was limited. It was his first practice since suffering his groin strain on September 5.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the 49ers' goal is to have Kittle available for the team's Week 3 contest against the Denver Broncos, making it unlikely we'll see the tight end on the field against Seattle.
#49ers TE George Kittle (groin) is not expected to play today vs. Seahawks, as @Eric_Branch first reported.
Kittle participated in only limited practice on Friday. The goal is to have him back at full strength for Week 3 game at Denver.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 18, 2022
"Looked awesome," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of his tight end's work on Friday.
The injury forced Kittle to miss the team's Week 1 matchup in Chicago against the Bears. Although, there was some hope that he could play in that matchup too.
"He's healthier seven days later than he was last week when he was questionable [to play in Week 1]," Shanahan said on Friday.
The 49ers and Seahawks kick off from Levi's Stadium today at 1:05 p.m. PT.
