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49ers preseason: 5 players to watch in Week 3

ByRobert Smith|
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Zaire Anderson #50 and Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos on a punt return at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Zaire Anderson #50 and Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos on a punt return at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 15: George Kittle #46 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with a reception 22 yards for a first down against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 15, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Iowa defeated Purdue 49-35. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 15: George Kittle #46 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with a reception 22 yards for a first down against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 15, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Iowa defeated Purdue 49-35. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

George Kittle, Tight End

After missing some time with a hamstring injury, tight end George Kittle came back and played well in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.

In fact, the Iowa alum made quite the impression, as he caught three passes for 33 yards with a touchdown. But what many will remember is the impression he left on the opposition on his touchdown reception, as seen below:

Kittle seems to be a lock to make the 53-man roster, along with fellow TE Logan Paulsen. The real question is will he be the starter come Week 1 of the regular season against the Carolina Panthers.

It seems tight ends Vance McDonald, Cole Hikutini, Blake Bell and Garrett Celek will battle it out for the third tight end spot. And with Kittle being a huge receiving target, and Paulsen filling the role of a blocking tight end, it may behoove the 49ers to keep Hikutini as a young, promising talent.

It will be interesting to see how coach Kyle Shanahan divvies up playing time for the group against the Vikings on Sunday.

In this offense, the tight end will fill a significant role as both blocker and receiver, depending on the situation. And with a new quarterback, new sets of receivers and tight ends, it will be important for QB Brian Hoyer to have a safety valve to pick up important third-down conversions.

With increased playing time, Kittle will continue to make plays in the passing game. And hopefully, we will see some more plays like the one above in 2017.

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