The San Francisco 49ers have been repeatedly attacked by the injury bug this season ever since training camp opened nearly two months ago, and more bite wounds continue to be revealed as time goes on.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year, has missed both of their games so far due to a calf strain and Achilles tendinitis he has dealt with for the last several weeks.
This week, it was announced that wide receiver Deebo Samuel has his own calf strain that he sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, tight end George Kittle was absent from practice on Thursday due to a hamstring ailment, and per Adam Schefter, there is some real doubt he will play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
49ers TE George Kittle was not spotted at practice today and is experiencing tightness in his hamstring, per source. With no practice today, his status for Sunday’s game vs. the Rams is in question. pic.twitter.com/Zyme882J17
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2024
Kittle has been one of San Francisco’s main offensive weapons for several years, and an argument can be made that he’s the best player at his position in the league, especially with the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce starting to show some signs of wear and tear.
He has 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown through two games, while Kelce has four receptions for just 39 yards.
Kittle has made the Pro Bowl five times, including in each of the last three years, and in 2023 he was named to the All-Pro First Team.
If he doesn’t play, it will be very difficult for the 49ers to generate enough points to win, although it should be pointed out that the Rams will also be considerably short-handed on Sunday.
