Shock updates on 49ers' George Kittle and Charvarius Ward could change complexion of Week 3 clash
The San Francisco 49ers were already definitely down two of their most important players for their Week 3 clash with the Los Angeles Rams, with running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel on the sideline. Now it's looking like they could be down two more All-Pros. Both tight end George Kittle and Charvarius […]
The San Francisco 49ers were already definitely down two of their most important players for their Week 3 clash with the Los Angeles Rams, with running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel on the sideline.
Now it's looking like they could be down two more All-Pros.
Both tight end George Kittle and Charvarius Ward missed Thursday's penultimate practice before the Niners make the trip down to Los Angeles to face the Rams.
Kittle is dealing with what is described as hamstring tightness, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, Ward's injury was listed as hamstring/knee.
A first-team All-Pro in 2023, Kittle was the best tight end in football last season and enjoyed an excellent game in the 49ers' Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He caught seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown and also made a key block on Jordan Mason's fourth-quarter rushing touchdown.
Ward established himself as a lockdown corner last year and that reputation has already been enhanced through two games this year, with both the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings extremely reluctant to attack him. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not throw to his side of the field at all in the opener, and Ward has only been targeted seven times so far this season.
With the Rams decimated by injuries themselves, the 49ers had been installed as heavy favorites for a matchup they have traditionally dominated.
But if the 49ers lose the all-round impact of Kittle on top of the diverse playmaking talents of McCaffrey and Samuel, and are robbed of Ward's ability to take away half the field, then a game against a team quarterbacked by a fearsome passer in Matthew Stafford could be a lot tougher than many anticipated.
Deebo Samuel’s injury could allow the 49ers to hand an opportunity to intriguing reclamation project in Week 3
It’s an interesting possibility.
