George Kittle's 2024 season has been quite similar to what we've seen from him in years past. When he's been on the field, Kittle has been highly productive and maintained his role as a focal point of San Francisco's offense.
The key phrase there is "when he's been on the field". Kittle is no stranger to the injury report; his career injury history strangely resembles the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes". Kittle already missed a game this year with a hamstring injury and is in danger of missing a second with a separate ailment.
Kittle briefly left the game last week with an injury to his ribs but was able to return. This injury has carried over to this week and has impacted his practice participation. Will this be something that keeps Kittle off the field in Week 5?
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Will George Kittle play this week? Injury update on 49ers' TE
Kittle was able to play through this injury last Sunday, but it's held him out of practice this week. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. The 49ers have now listed him as questionable for their game against the Cardinals.
There is no clarity as to whether Kittle will be able to take the field this week. He seems to be a true game-time decision and his status could be unknown until inactives are due at 2:35 EST. Be sure to check back here often, where we'll be providing regular updates as they become available.
49ers' TE Depth Chart: Who is Who is George Kittle's Backup?
When Kittle was sidelined in Week 3, it was Eric Saubert who replaced him at TE for San Francisco. The eight-year veteran played 86 percent of snaps in relief of Kittle.
Saubert will likely take on a similar role if Kittle doesn't play this week. Kyle Shanahan prefers to utilize just one do-it-all TE and he clearly feels comfortable having Saubert in that role. Saubert won't have a big impact on the box score, but he'll be on the field all afternoon.
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George Kittle fantasy outlook Week 5
If Kittle plays in Week 5, there's only one clear choice - getting him into your lineup. The tight end position is a wasteland and Kittle is one of the few bright spots. He's averaging 14.4 PPG (TE1) and he's the only TE to score 14-plus PPR points in multiple games this season. As long as he's healthy, Kittle is a "set it and forget it" tight end.
Assuming he plays, Kittle comes in as the TE2 in our Week 5 Rankings. San Francisco also gets a strong matchup against an Arizona defense that ranks 24th in offensive yardage allowed per game and 29th in points allowed per game. Brock Purdy has been firing on all cylinders this year and should have no problem moving the ball up and down the field, hitting his targets, including Kittle, along the way.
