San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has yet to see regular season action this year after missing Week 1 with a groin injury. After traveling to Chicago and playing in a torrential downpour, the 49ers return home and brought the bad weather with them. Is Kittle playing today, and what is the most recent injury update surrounding the 49ers tight end?
Update: 49ers TE George Kittle is officially inactive for their game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Is George Kittle playing today against the Seahawks?
Ahead of this game, general manager John Lynch said that Kittle has been improving but would be a true game-time decision. Kittle did not practice for most of the week but got in limited action on Friday. He is still listed as questionable on the final injury report.
The biggest issue with Kittle potentially returning in this one is the weather. Last week, Bears players were slipping and sliding all over the field because of the rainy conditions. Now, in San Francisco, there is another monsoon expected. Although it likely won’t be as bad as in Chicago, field conditions will not be ideal for a return after a groin injury.
After giving away a 10-point second-half lead last week against the Bears, the 49ers need to get back on track and win this game. Can they do that against the Seahawks, who managed to upset the Denver Broncos last week at home? Geno Smith had a nearly perfect half in that game, but can he do something similar in the rain against Trey Lance?
Fantasy impact of the Kittle injury
It is so difficult to judge this 49ers offense after the game they played last week. The weather was awful, but the offense still looked inept. Was that because of the rain, or was it because Lance isn’t as ready to be QB1 as people thought during the offseason? For now, let’s say it was the weather. Would the return of Kittle make that much of an impact if the weather is going to be bad again?
As of right now, PFN’s standard scoring tight end rankings do not include Kittle because of his injury status. If Kittle is going to miss time, Tyler Kroft is the second option behind him, with Ross Dwelley on the other side. Realistically, none of those names are really options this week, especially with the weather. If Kittle does not return, take a look at your waiver wire.
Some of the names that PFN’s fantasy team suggested as Week 2 tight end streaming options are Evan Engram, Mike Gesicki, and David Njoku.