Another week, another San Francisco 49ers star missing a game.
Per Adam Schefter, tight end George Kittle will miss today's vital game against the Seattle Seahawks with a hamstring injury:
49ers TE George Kittle, who is questionable for Sunday's game due to a hamstring injury, is unlikely to play vs. the Seahawks, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2024
The 49ers want to see how Kittle is feeling pregame before making any final decision, per sources. But they are not optimistic that their… pic.twitter.com/MuBn2Suh9l
This is a surprising blow for the Niners. While Kittle had been limited in practice throughout this week, his status wasn't thought to be in question as much as say, defensive end Nick Bosa or left tackle Trent Williams going into the Sunday game.
It leaves the 49ers desperately short of talent at the hinge point skill position, and it's likely to lead to more time for backup tight end Eric Saubert, who has delivered little but holding penalties so far this season.
It's also possible third-stringer Jake Tonges might get a chance to impress after some promising showings back in preseason.
More than likely, though, it means bigger roles for the 49ers other star players at skill positions, so expect to see a lot of Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings (if he plays), and, in only his second game back, Christian McCaffrey.
This does not feel like a great omen for another must-win game in the second half of the 49ers season. While the team has weathered multiple injuries already this season, Kittle has rarely been missing, and that's good, as he's vital to the team in both the run and pass game.
Kyle Shanahan's offense seems to rely on him at the point of attack in the run game, and his absence could prevent the 49ers taking advantage of the Seahawks run defense, which is statistically one of the worst in the NFL
He's also been Niners quarterback Brock Purdy's most consistent red-zone target in a year of red-zone struggles, including last week's ridiculous touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With Jennings, Bosa and Williams also ailing, it's likely now that the 49ers will need all three stars to play to have their best chance of winning at Levi's Stadium on Sunday. It could also be a chance for one of the team's aspiring playmakers, possibly rookie Ricky Pearsall, to really have a breakout game.
Regardless, however you slice it, Sunday isn't off to a great start. Let's hope the ending is better.