George Kittle didn't get to play the last time the San Francisco 49ers faced the Seattle Seahawks. A week before their NFC Divisional Round playoff matchup, the tight end suffered an Achilles injury.
Now, the 49ers are preparing to return to Lumen Field, where they suffered a 41-6 postseason defeat. As was the case last season, San Francisco is dealing with injuries entering the matchup. However, the team has overcome adversity to start the 2026 season 4-0 and claim the top spot in the NFC West.
Unfortunately, the 49ers will be without versatile fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise and is expected to miss a few weeks.
Rather than dwell on Juszczyk's absence, Kittle sees an opportunity for San Francisco's tight end room to take on a bigger role.
After Juszczyk exited Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, tight end Brayden Willis filled in at fullback on multiple plays. He could reprise that role in Week 5 against the Seahawks.
"I think Brayden had his best OTAs, his best training camp, just consistently," Kittle told reporters on Thursday. "Definitely got better, put good stuff on tape. And I think he just had a really, really good mindset this offseason, like this whole time."
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak also praised Willis' development and is eager to see how he handles the increased opportunity.
"We're excited to get him a few more ops this week," Kubiak said. "Brayden's been here a while, feels like a while, and has just been a very consistent, solid player for us. Really physical, smart guy. So excited to see what he can do and get out there."
Willis might not be the only tight end to benefit from Juszczyk's absence. Head coach Kyle Shanahan could deploy multiple tight ends more frequently against Seattle, creating additional opportunities for Kittle and his position group.
"I told the tight ends today, I'm like, 'Hey, let's take advantage of this opportunity,'" Kittle said. "So moving forward, we have more opportunities being in two tight end sets. So, let's show that Coach Shanahan can count on us to get the job done."
After last season's playoff disaster, Kittle is eager for another opportunity against the Seahawks.
"All I know is that it's Seattle week," Kittle said. "We're going to Seattle, one of my favorite stadiums to play in, because of how much they don't like us. It's a fantastic fan base. It's going to be super loud. It's our first real road game with an active crowd, or a crowd that's fully against us.
"I couldn't be looking more forward to it. We need to go make a statement and stay on the field as an offense and make plays."
More info on: Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Brayden Willis
Comments