George Kittle Out for 49ers’ Showdown Against Rams Due to Hamstring Injury; Brayden Willis Elevated from Practice Squad
The San Francisco 49ers will be without their star tight end, George Kittle, for their upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Kittle has been officially ruled out due to a nagging hamstring injury, which was confirmed by the team on Saturday. This leaves the 49ers in a challenging position as they look to continue their strong start to the 2024 NFL season without one of their key offensive weapons.
Kittle’s Hamstring Injury and Status Leading Up to the Game
Kittle’s hamstring issues became more apparent earlier this week. After fully participating in Wednesday’s practice, Kittle reported soreness on Thursday and was limited in activity. The 49ers coaching staff, including head coach Kyle Shanahan, had been optimistic about his availability, but when Kittle failed to practice on Friday, the team listed him as doubtful. On Saturday, any lingering hopes were dashed as the Niners declared him out for the game.
Shanahan addressed the situation, saying, “Kittle was cramping most of last week’s game, and he felt sore after practice this week. We wanted to be cautious, and unfortunately, the soreness didn’t go away as we had hoped.”
The absence of Kittle, one of the best tight ends in the league, is a significant blow to the 49ers’ offense. His ability to make plays both as a pass-catcher and a run-blocker has been pivotal in the team’s success over the past few seasons. In his absence, tight ends Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges will step up, while Brayden Willis has been elevated from the practice squad to provide additional depth.
Brayden Willis Steps In
The 49ers moved quickly to bring tight end Brayden Willis up from the practice squad to help fill the void left by Kittle. Willis, a talented rookie out of Oklahoma, has shown promise throughout training camp and preseason but has yet to see regular-season action. The team will likely lean on his athleticism and potential as they look to maintain their offensive rhythm without their star tight end.
In addition to Willis, Eric Saubert is expected to get the starting nod. Saubert has been a reliable option in previous games, and Shanahan expressed confidence in his ability to handle the starting role. “I thought he’s done a hell of a job. He’s stepped in well. If he has to do it all, he’s up for the challenge,” Shanahan said of Saubert.
49ers’ Other Injury Concerns: Nick Bosa and Depth Moves
While Kittle’s absence is a major storyline, the 49ers are also monitoring the health of their defensive star, Nick Bosa. Bosa, who suffered a rib injury during a one-on-one drill in Thursday’s practice, is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Despite being a full participant in Wednesday’s session, Bosa was limited in the final two practices leading up to the game.
According to a source close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bosa is expected to play, but the team will continue to assess his condition up until game time. Bosa’s presence is critical for the 49ers’ defense, especially against a Rams offense that thrives on quick passes and strong play from quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In preparation for the game, the 49ers also elevated defensive end Sam Okuayinonu from the practice squad. Okuayinonu provides extra depth to the defensive line, especially if Bosa’s snaps are limited due to the rib injury.
Key Offensive Absences for the 49ers
Unfortunately for San Francisco, Kittle’s absence isn’t the only significant offensive loss. The 49ers will also be without two more of their top playmakers: running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve earlier this week due to Achilles tendinitis, and he is expected to miss multiple games. Meanwhile, Samuel is sidelined with a calf injury and is likely out for at least the next two weeks. These injuries leave the 49ers’ offense severely depleted, placing more pressure on quarterback Brock Purdy and the remaining skill players to carry the load against a talented Rams defense.
What This Means for the Rams Game
The 49ers will face a tough challenge going into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams without three of their top offensive weapons. The absence of Kittle, McCaffrey, and Samuel means that younger and less experienced players will need to step up in critical roles. Eric Saubert, Brayden Willis, and running back Elijah Mitchell will be called upon to make significant contributions, while wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may also see an increase in targets.
San Francisco’s game plan is likely to shift toward a more balanced approach, with an increased focus on running the ball and relying on their stout defense, anchored by Bosa—assuming he plays—to limit the Rams’ offensive opportunities. The game may come down to how well the 49ers’ second-string players perform in these key roles.
Looking Ahead
While the focus is on the Week 3 matchup against the Rams, the 49ers are also looking ahead to the return of key players. Kittle, McCaffrey, and Samuel’s health will be monitored closely over the next few weeks, as the team prepares for upcoming divisional matchups. In the meantime, their replacements will have to rise to the occasion and help San Francisco maintain their strong start to the season.
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