Niner Noise
FanSided

5 problems 49ers have to overcome in Week 10 vs. Seahawks

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 16: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Barkevious Mingo #51 of the Seattle Seahawks after a catch during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 16: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Barkevious Mingo #51 of the Seattle Seahawks after a catch during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 31-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 31-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Making Up for the Possible Loss of George Kittle

George Kittle took a helmet hit to his knee in Week 9, hyperextending it, yet not preventing him from ultimately finishing the game against the Cardinals with six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Yet injuries like these can get worse after the initial setback, and such appears to be the case heading into Week 10.

Kyle Shanahan ruled Kittle as doubtful for Monday Night Football, which creates a sizable hole in San Francisco’s offense.

For starters, Kittle has yet to drop a pass this season, according to Pro Football Focus, and he’s also emerged as a critical third-down weapon for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and Co. Through nine weeks, Kittle has 14 third-down receptions for a first down, which is tied for third most.

Kittle’s presence alone opens up a lot for Shanahan’s offense. Simply not having him on the field is reason enough for the Seahawks to defend other playmakers, forcing San Francisco to rely on other names to come up with these crucial plays in critical situations.

The 49ers may try to get by with No. 2 tight end Ross Dwelley.

But the drop off from Kittle to Dwelley is significant, and it’s something Shanahan and Co. will have to figure out, should Kittle be unavailable.