Tight end George Kittle officially will miss the 49ers’ visit Sunday to the Los Angeles Rams, and defensive end Nick Bosa is no sure thing to play either.
In downgrading Kittle on Saturday from doubtful to out, the 49ers also announced two practice-squad elevations, one of which predictably is his potential replacement, second-year tight end Brayden Willis.
The 49ers’ other practice-squad elevation was for defensive end Sam Okuayinonu. That likely is in relation to Bosa’s questionable status with a rib injury that coach Kyle Shanahan said was incurred during Thursday’s practice; Bosa was limited Friday.
The 49ers (1-1) on Friday ruled out wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) while listing cornerback Charvarius Ward (hamstring, knee) as questionable along with Bosa, who’s appeared in all but one game since 2021.
Kittle just played his 100th career regular-season game in last Sunday’s loss at Minnesota, during which he was carted to the locker room for what the 49ers said was an IV to treat cramps. He reported a hamstring issue Thursday after being listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, as was the case with Ward.
Perhaps in a positive sign, the 49ers did not place Kittle on the Injured Reserve list and thus sideline him at least four games. The eighth-year veteran has missed 17 games in his career and gone on IR only for a 2020 foot fracture.
The Rams (0-2) are not a healthy bunch, either. They have 11 players on Injured Reserve, including Puka Nakua but not counting fellow wide receiver Cooper Kupp, whose ankle injury Sunday ruled him out for this coming game, along with tight end Davis Allen (back). Questionable for the Rams are defensive tackle Bobby Brown (ankle), cornerback Cobie Durant (toe), and kicker Joshua Karty (groin).