San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle is unlikely to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks due to a hamstring injury, sources told ESPN.
The 49ers want to see how Kittle feels before the game before making a final decision, according to sources. But they weren’t optimistic Saturday night that the five-time Pro Bowler would be available against Seattle and were already making plans to be without Kittle.
Fortunately for San Francisco, it is not considered a long-term injury, and Kittle will have a realistic chance to return for next Sunday’s game in Green Bay against the Packers, according to sources. But it will be a challenge to play Sunday against the Seahawks, and there was concern earlier in the week that that could be the case.
San Francisco has more hope and optimism that Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams can recover from the ankle injury that kept him from practicing Friday, according to sources. Williams believes he can play against the Seahawks, but the 49ers will still evaluate him before the game to make sure he feels good enough to play.
The Niners aren’t as encouraged with Kittle, who has been dealing with a hamstring strain he suffered last Sunday against Tampa Bay, where he caught a game-winning touchdown pass that helped San Francisco win the game. Kittle did not practice Wednesday before being limited Thursday and Friday.
Kittle is considered one of the toughest players in the NFL and rarely misses time due to injury. He was sidelined during Week 3 of this season, marking the first time he has missed a game due to injury since 2022, when he was sidelined for the first two games of the season with a groin strain. Kittle also played with a sports hernia last season that required offseason surgery.
If Kittle can’t play, Eric Saubert would start in his place, but there will be an additional need for Pro Bowl running back Christian McCaffrey to step up in his second game back in the lineup. McCaffrey missed the first eight games of the season with calf and Achilles injuries, but returned last Sunday to carry the ball 13 times for 39 yards and catch six passes for 68 yards.
The 49ers continue to have to overcome losses and adversity on an almost weekly basis. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7 against the Chiefs, Williams is now lame and Kittle is unlikely to play.
Kittle’s injury marks the latest setback in what has been a challenging week for tight ends across the league. The Lions will play without Sam LaPorta on Sunday against the Jaguars, while the Bills will be without Dalton Kincaid against the Chiefs.
