San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle is battling a groin injury, leaving his availability questionable for the Week 1 matchup against Pittsburgh. Kittle has a lengthy injury history.
The 49ers have lofty goals for the 2023 season that won’t be met unless they play in the Super Bowl. The 49ers would be well within reason to ask their veteran TE to sit out the opener to return to health.
For the latest injury updates, be sure to check out our NFL and Fantasy Player News Tracker.
Is George Kittle Playing Week 1?
Kittle is listed on the 49ers’ official injury report as questionable heading into Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kittle has been a limited participant in the 49ers’ practices all week. Kittle states that he feels great and will be ready for the opener, so taking him at face value is the likeliest outcome.
Tight end roundup:
– #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (knee) was out Thursday night.
– #Giants TE Darren Waller (hamstring) is questionable vs. Dallas.
– #49ers TE George Kittle (groin) is questionable vs. Pittsburgh.
– #Ravens TE Mark Andrews (quad) is questionable vs. Houston.
-…
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2023
What Type of Season Will Kittle Have in 2023?
Kittle is one of the most talented TEs in the NFL. Kittle is one of the best all-around TEs in football due to his blocking ability. The 49ers rely on him as an every-down player who can be as effective in the running game as he is in the passing game.
George Kittle has not played a full season since 2018 and finds himself back on the injury report ahead of Week 1. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/FN8gHoTnyP
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) September 5, 2023
The 49ers have plenty of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. QB Brock Purdy had the San Fransico offense humming last season and could do so again in 2023. The 49ers start multi-dimensional RB Christian McCaffrey and receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk alongside Kittle.
MORE: NFL Offense Rankings 2023
The problem is with so many talented players on one team, there are many mouths to feed offensively, so the volume of touches is down. Kittle has been a player with a high ceiling but is one of the most inconsistent players in the game. Kittle can explode one week and go without a catch next week.
What To Expect From the 49ers in 2023?
The 49ers are one of the best teams in the NFL. The 49ers are balanced on both sides of the ball, with one of the best defenses in the league. The 49ers have as much firepower as any team in the league. Are they the favorites in the NFC?
The #49ers have a money problem.
In 2024 they are due to pay
Trent Williams $28M.
Deebo Samuel $29M.
Arik Armstead $26M.
Fred Warner $25M.
George Kittle $20M.
Charvarius Ward $18M.
Javon Hargrave 15.5M.
Brandon Aiyuk $14M.
Christian McCaffrey 14M.
(Per overthecap)This… pic.twitter.com/nqMmgPn3dh
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) September 5, 2023
Alongside the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers are the favorites in the NFC. It comes down to QB Brock Purdy. Purdy rode a magical ride in 2022 until he got injured in the NFC Championship Game. If Purdy can play at a high level again in 2023, the sky is the limit for the 49ers.