49ers’ George Kittle to Return for SNF Despite Torn Hamstring
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is set to return for the Sunday Night Football matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. This announcement comes following Kittle’s recovery from a torn hamstring sustained during the team’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
Kittle’s Injury Details
In a practice session on Thursday, Kittle confirmed that he had experienced a complete tear of his hamstring. Despite the severity of the injury, he emphasized his desire to be fully fit before returning to action. Kittle expressed optimism about his performance this weekend, noting, “It feels great to be back. I love football. Football is fun.”
Return Timeline
- Kittle was placed on the injured reserve list after his injury.
- After recent practice sessions, he was removed from the list and limited participation allowed him to prepare for the game.
- The injury did not detach from the bone, aiding in a quicker recovery.
Impact on the Team
Kittle’s absence has been notably felt, particularly in the running game. The 49ers currently rank last in the league, averaging only 3.1 yards per carry. Backup tight end, Jake Tonges, has stepped up significantly, contributing 25 receptions for 224 yards and three touchdowns during Kittle’s time off.
Upcoming Matchup
As Kittle prepares to return, he is expected to team up with quarterback Mac Jones, who has a record of 3-1 while stepping in for the injured Brock Purdy. Jones participated fully in practice after earlier limitations due to oblique and knee issues. Purdy has been working on his recovery from a turf toe injury but remains limited in practice.
With Kittle back on the field, the 49ers will look to boost their offensive performance against the Falcons in what promises to be an exciting matchup on Sunday night.
