Chicago Bears' week one matchup matchup got a lot easier
No one is expecting the Chicago Bears to walk away with a win in week one against the San Francisco 49ers. And that's understandable. The 49ers fancy themselves as Super Bowl contenders while the Bears are going through a massive rebuild. Chicago's odds of winning, however, likely went up a bit this week thanks to […]
No one is expecting the Chicago Bears to walk away with a win in week one against the San Francisco 49ers.
And that's understandable. The 49ers fancy themselves as Super Bowl contenders while the Bears are going through a massive rebuild.
Chicago's odds of winning, however, likely went up a bit this week thanks to an injury to one of the 49ers' best players.
Three-time Pro-Bowl tight end George Kittle is increasingly unlikely to play on Sunday against the Bears.
Kittle is dealing with a groin injury that could keep him sidelined in week one.
Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson reported on Thursday that a source described Kittle's injury as "not good".
San Francisco 49ers veteran tight end George Kittle’s groin injury is considered serious enough that he’s unlikely to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
One source characterized Kittle’s status as being fluid but emphasized the groin injury is “not good,” adding that it would be optimal for him to rest and rehab for a week or two.
Another source called it a Grade 2 strain that has limited Kittle’s top-end 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. 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.
The 49ers have their eye on a Super Bowl appearance, which means having Kittle for the final 16 games of the season is more important than him playing the first game of the season.
And since it's the Bears that San Francisco is playing, it's even more likely that San Francisco will view sitting Kittle as the right decision.
Chicago isn't going to be an easy win for anyone this season. Matt Eberflus has changed the culture in the Bears locker room — this team will be a tough matchup on a weekly basis this season. Chicago might finish with a losing record, but they won't roll over for anyone. We'll see them play in some tight games that go down to the wire.
I still think the 49ers win this game, but it wouldn't shock me if the Bears pull the upset — especially if Kittle sits.
Featured image via Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
