The injury hits keep on coming for the San Francisco 49ers following last week’s disheartening loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) is currently on injured reserve and will miss at least the next three games. There is actually an expectation that the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year will be out until after San Francisco’s Week 9 bye.
Offensive weapon, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, is also out a couple weeks after suffering a calf injury of his own in last week’s loss to the Vikings.
We now have more unfortunate 49ers injury news heading into Sunday’s road date with the division rival Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco released its latest injury report on Friday. Star tight end George Kittle is listed as doubtful due to a hamstring issue.
The Pro Bowl tight end popped up on San Francisco’s injury report earlier in the week. But he was initially questionable. Now that the 49ers list Kittle as doubtful, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be able to play.
This is obviously some big news with San Francisco’s game against the equally injury-ravaged Rams looming. Los Angeles will be without several starters on both sides of the ball, including star wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
San Francisco 49ers Week 3 Injury Report
Talanoa Hufanga, Knee (Unspecified) Deebo Samuel, Calf (Out) Dee Winters, Ankle (Unspecified) Charvarius Ward, Hamstring/Knee (Questionable) Nick Bosa, Rib (Questionable)
As you can see, there are several other important players iffy for Sunday’s game. Ward was limited in practice on Friday. It’s not yet known whether the star cornerback will be able to go.
Meanwhile, Bosa popped up on the injury report with a rib issue. He was also limited on Friday. Given the 49ers’ lack of depth from a pass-rush perspective, that could loom large.
Impact Of George Kittle Injury On 49ers Run Game
The likely absence of George Kittle will play a role in the San Francisco 49ers’ game plan on Sunday … [+]
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With Christian McCaffrey out, the 49ers have relied on former undrafted free agent Jordan Mason. He has played at a great level thus far, tallying consecutive 100-yard games to open the season.
If Kittle is indeed unable to go, it will have a major impact on the 49ers’ rushing attack. In addition to his receiving prowess, Kittle is considered one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the NFL.
The 49ers will have veteran free agent signing Eric Saubert prepared to start in Kittle’s stead on Sunday. He’s not nearly as good of a blocker as his better known counterpart.
Without Samuel and McCaffrey in the mix Sunday against Los Angeles, the expectation is that the 49ers will be relying more on their running game. Kittle’s potential absence will only create more issues on this front.
Brock Purdy Now Likely Without Three Key Targets For 49ers
McCaffrey and Samuel went for north of 3,000 total yards a season ago. Kittle added 65 receptions for 1,020 yards himself. Through two games this season, the tight end has tallied 11 catches for 116 yards while hauling in 85 percent of his targets.
The onus is now going to be on others to step up in their stead. That includes a receiver in Brandon Aiyuk who has struggled through two games after not practicing during training camp due to a contract stalemate.
This has been a big focus around the 49ers since they handed Aiyuk a whopping four-year, $120 million contract during the summer. His connection with Purdy seems to be off at this early point in the season.
“He had a chance to get about four big passes and other factors happened. It’s a team game,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after Sunday’s loss. “There are 11 guys out there that are involved in getting someone the ball. He did have some opportunities where he should have, but not everything went right.”
Unfortunately for the 49ers, tight ends outside of Kittle are not typically involved in the passing game. Last season saw other players at this position catch a total of four passes. Saubert’s career-high in receptions was 15 when the veteran was a member of the Denver Broncos in 2022.
Third-string tight end Jake Tonges has yet to catch a pass since entering the NFL back in 2022. The 49ers will likely activate either Mason Pline or Brayden Willis from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. But it’s unrealistic that either would play a big role.
This leaves the onus on the aforementioned Aiyuk and fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings to step up against the Rams. It really is that simple.