Why George Kittle encouraged a new face to break 49ers huddle this week

SANTA CLARA — As the rain drizzled down on Thursday in Santa Clara and the 49ers gathered in their typical pre-practice huddle, one player took off his helmet and began to address his assembled teammates, readying them for the team’s longest practice of the week. The identity of said player was obstructed by towering linemen as they gathered to hear his message. Not too much later, a single hand went up into the air, joined by those of his teammates. Then the group dispersed, revealing Chase Lucas putting his helmet back on.“I got to say what I need to say to my boys, and getting them juiced and ready to roll,” Lucas told NBC Sports Bay Area. “I feel like everybody says I always know what to say, but I’m just speaking from the heart. Whatever comes to my head, if it makes sense.”On Thursday, Lucas was urged by George Kittle to break down the huddle. Once, a shared responsibility between the All-Pro tight end and Fred Warner, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 6, Kittle vowed not to be the only one to address the team the remainder of the season. “I don’t like talking every single time,” Kittle...