The San Francisco 49ers received encouraging news late Thursday evening, and it had nothing to do with their preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that George Kittle met with the orthopedic surgeon who repaired his Achilles and, apparently, has a legitimate shot to play in the team's season opener in Australia.
While quarterback Brock Purdy is likely elated to have one of his favorite weapons back, it might be running back Christian McCaffrey who will benefit the most from the tight end's return.
McCaffrey has quietly struggled in games without George Kittle. In the seven games he has played with the tight end sidelined, he has recorded less than 60 rushing yards in five of them. In fact, he has rushed for just 3.79 yards per carry in the sample size, well below his career average.
In short, Kittle's elite blocking ability contributes more to CMC's rushing success than anybody possibly could've imagined.
49ers miss George Kittle for more than just his pass catching
This fact was on full display last season, when Kittle played in just 11 of the team's 17 regular season games. It's a big reason why the 49ers finished 23rd in rush yards per game. McCaffrey himself rushed for a career-low 3.9 yards per carry and enjoyed most of his production through the air.
Simply put: if the 49ers wish to establish a more balanced offensive attack, they will need their tight end at full strength.
The Iowa product's willingness to do the dirty work has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this summer, he was ranked the league's third-best tight end by execs, scouts, and coaches, even at a time when he was barely able to walk.
The Bay Area legend's return for Week 1 is still not set in stone, regardless of how optimistic the latest report may be. The 49ers also must decide if it is worth rushing Kittle back against a bruising Rams defense. Given that the game is a 16-hour flight away from San Francisco, a Week 2 return might make more sense so he can avoid the tumultuous trip
If he does suit up for the season opener, Christian McCaffrey will surely reap the benefits. The superstar will be looking to bounce back in the efficiency department, but he will find it hard-pressed to do so if he doesn't have his fearsome tight end working for him in the trenches.
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