49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 key storylines for San Francisco’s preseason bout
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Covering Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce
In case you haven’t noticed, both the 49ers and Chiefs boast some pretty good tight ends, George Kittle and Travis Kelce, respectively.
Kelce set a new NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season last year, only to hold it for mere minutes before Kittle broke the record again in Week 17, setting the new benchmark at 1,377.
Those numbers are in the past, however, which leads to another facet to watch between these two squads on Saturday.
Kittle was held out of Monday’s game in Denver with a minor calf injury. And while he’s since returned to practice, it’s yet to be known if he’ll fully participate in Kansas City.
But a bigger concern for San Francisco should be the opposite number, Kelce, namely how the defense goes about covering him. Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt showcased a solid effort against the Broncos, including five combined tackles and one pass broken up. If Kelce gets behind Tartt, though, the Niners situation at free safety — namely between Tarvarius Moore, who has been receiving the largest numbers of snaps in the backfield, and veteran Jimmie Ward — should be something to monitor.
Keep an eye on coverage duties from linebackers Fred Warner and the rookie, Dre Greenlaw, too. After all, Kelce is easily the toughest offensive weapon the Niners will have to face outside of Mahomes on Saturday.