George Kittle set to miss another week of practice
The 49ers didn't have the benefit of George Kittle being on the field in last week's joint practices with the Raiders, and the odds of the tight end playing in the preseason have worsened after Kyle Shanahan revealed he will be out another week. Kittle remains on the sideline with an adductor injury and will […]
The 49ers didn't have the benefit of George Kittle being on the field in last week's joint practices with the Raiders, and the odds of the tight end playing in the preseason have worsened after Kyle Shanahan revealed he will be out another week.
Kittle remains on the sideline with an adductor injury and will miss Saturday's preseason clash with the Broncos, head coach Shanahan confirmed on a conference call.
Given Shanahan's tendency for resting players in the final preseason game, it appears unlikely Kittle will feature in the exhibition season.
Backup safety and star special teamer George Odum (shoulder) and linebacker Oren Burks (knee) are set to miss the rest of the preseason. Burks sustained a PCL injury on a collision with Davante Adams in a joint practice. Kick returner Ray-Ray McClould will also miss the remainder of preseason, but there is a chance he could be back for Week 1 after breaking his wrist.
Shanahan is hoping to get linebacker Dre Greenlaw, running back Elijah Mitchell, defensive lineman Kalia Davis and defensive ends Drake Jackson and Robert Beal Jr. back this week.
Kittle's slightly prolonged absence may mean more opportunities for rookie tight ends Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis, who experienced underwhelming preseason debuts against the Raiders. Latu lost a fumble that led to a touchdown and was also flagged for a special teams penalty. Their uninspiring efforts were compounded by strong showings from veterans Ross Dwelley and Troy Fumagalli.
Burks had been in the lead to be the starting strongside linebacker in base looks, but that position could perhaps be in jeopardy.
The 49ers have a host of young and athletic linebackers behind starters Fred Warner and Greenlaw, and rookies Jalen Graham and Dee Winters each impressed against Las Vegas.
Kittle's injury will likely have no impact on his regular-season performance, but the time on the sideline for him and Burks could make a couple of low-key position battles more compelling this week.
Brock Purdy cleared to face final test in his return from elbow surgery
He can now practice three days in a row.
Featured Image Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
