On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers won their fourth straight contest of the season over the Denver Broncos. While the win wasn't as flashy as the three before it, the red and gold got the job done nonetheless.
George Kittle was at the heart of the scoring once again, as he finished with four catches for 70 yards and a score. But it was what he said after the game that stole the headlines, and it came at the expense of his former teammate and current Denver Bronco, Talanoa Hufanga.
When asked about his touchdown scamper late in the fourth quarter, the tight end had the following to say:
“Outrunning younger, old teammates is always a good time, especially when they're 26."
George Kittle used friendly jab to hint at something 49ers fans have only suspected
In other words, George Kittle may be fully back.
The tight end is now on a three-game scoring streak and has upped his yardage total to 244 on the season. He has done this despite not being at full strength, by his own admission. Last week, he volunteered the information that he still does not have his legs completely underneath him, and there is still progress to make.
The fact that the veteran outran his former teammate who is, as he mentioned, just 26 years old, is a clear indication that he is inching closer to where he was before his Achilles tear during the postseason last year.
George Kittle's full return could have massive implications on 49ers offense
If Kittle is indeed back to full health - or at least awfully close - it would be just the boost the 49ers needed. While the team is 4-0 and riding high, they have shown cracks in the injury department. The wide receiver room in particular has been hit hard with ailments. Ricky Pearsall was lost for the season in training camp, De'Zhaun Stribling is expected to miss at least 10 weeks, and Mike Evans is playing through a significant rib injury.
Other than Deebo Samuel, who has contributed only spotty production thus far, the 49ers don't have a healthy pass catcher who quarterback Brock Purdy can consistently rely on. Kittle has been that outlet, and he has been doing it at less than 100 percent.
The 49ers must hope that Kittle is implying he is back, as he's already been carrying much of the offensive load despite still recovering from injury. If he is indeed back to full strength, it would do wonders for an offense that is already asking the world of him
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