49ers start Sunday on completely the wrong note with update on George Kittle's status for Seahawks game
George Kittle has dominated the Seattle Seahawks during the San Francisco 49ers' recent run of success against their NFC West foes. But the Niners are unlikely to have the All-Pro tight end available for the latest edition of the rivalry on Sunday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Kittle is expected to miss the Week 11 […]
George Kittle has dominated the Seattle Seahawks during the San Francisco 49ers' recent run of success against their NFC West foes.
But the Niners are unlikely to have the All-Pro tight end available for the latest edition of the rivalry on Sunday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Kittle is expected to miss the Week 11 game, which will see the 49ers attempt to improve to 6-4 with a third successive season sweep of Seattle. Kittle has been dealing with what the 49ers described as "hamstring irritation" and was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday's session.
The 49ers will see how Kittle feels pregame but are said to be "not optimistic" about his involvement.
Kittle has scored seven touchdowns in his last five regular-season games against Seattle, including two in the 49ers' road win over the Seahawks in Week 6.
This season Kittle has served as the 49ers' most consistent offensive weapon, racking up 560 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, his most recent being a spectacular go-ahead catch in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His performances have reaffirmed Kittle's status as the best tight end in football, and the first-team All-Pro's absence would rob quarterback Brock Purdy of the weapon with whom he shares the best rapport following Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending injury.
It would also place more emphasis on running back Christian McCaffrey to rediscover his Offensive Player of the Year form after his return from bilateral Achilles tendinitis last week, while wide receivers Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall will all need to step up to help fill the void. Pearsall scored his first career touchdown against the Buccaneers and Samuel and Jennings each played pivotal roles in that win.
Jennings led the 49ers with 93 receiving yards and, like Pearsall, had two catches on the game-winning drive.
Eric Saubert would be the favorite to start at tight end in the event of Kittle's expected absence.
Left tackle Trent Williams is listed as questionable after missing practice all week with an ankle injury, but Schefter reported the 49ers are "more optimistic" he will be able to play.
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His presence is much needed.
