The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed that tight end George Kittle will not participate in Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a hamstring injury. The injury occurred in Week 10, and while head coach Kyle Shanahan initially downplayed the concern surrounding it, Kittle was unable to practice on Wednesday as part of his injury management. Although he returned to practice on Thursday and Friday, he has ultimately been ruled out for the game.
Kittle’s absence is a significant advantage for the Seahawks, especially given that he scored two touchdowns in the 49ers’ earlier victory over them in Week 6.
In addition to Kittle, the 49ers have announced a list of Week 11 inactives that includes quarterback Josh Dobbs, cornerback Charvarius Ward (personal reasons), defensive linemen Kevin Givens (groin) and Khalil Davis, offensive lineman Ben Bartch, and wide receiver Ronnie Bell. Conversely, key players like defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams are not on the inactive list. Bosa, currently dealing with a hip injury, mentioned that he faced challenges during the team’s Week 10 win against Tampa Bay but participated in a limited practice this week, which has prepared him to play, although a reduced rotation may be expected.
The 49ers are facing some hurdles ahead of Sunday’s match, but this can also serve as an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talents. The resilience and depth of the team’s roster could be a silver lining as they navigate these challenges, potentially surprising fans and analysts alike.
In summary, while Kittle’s absence is a setback, the 49ers have enough talent to remain competitive in the lead-up to Sunday’s game.