John Lynch, 49ers ‘knock on wood’ that George Kittle heals up

George Kittle has a history of being a little banged up. That comes with the territory of playing with great physicality and giving 110 percent on each play. The tight end doesn't just enjoy hauling in passes from his quarterbacks, but he loves blocking for his running backs, doing anything asked of him for those extra yards.

It takes a toll, though. Kittle missed the first two games last season due to a groin injury. He missed three games in 2021 due to a calf injury. The All-Pro tight end played only eight games in 2020. Of course, most of the team was banged up that season. His last full season came in 2018.

Kittle played 12 snaps during last week's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 49ers are being cautious with their star player, keeping him out of practices this week as he deals with a lingering groin injury.

"It's still stuff lingering a little bit from when he has missed some time," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday. "And we're not going to practice him today either, and hopefully, we can get him going on Monday."

Considering the tight end's injury history, should fans be concerned about Kittle's Week 1 status?

"I think there's always concern when something persists, and this has kind of lingered," general manager John Lynch said Thursday morning during an interview on KNBR. "George usually has about one of these things a year, and then once he gets through it, he's good. And so, knock on wood that's the case.

"The great thing about George, he attacks it. We miss him when he's not on the field, not only because of his ability but just the energy he brings. And so there has been a little void here the last few days, but we're trying to get him right."

You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.