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George Kittle injury update: Latest on 49ers TE's status for today's game vs. Seahawks

tom viera, usa today
·3 min read

The San Francisco 49ers enjoyed one week with an offense at full health but they once again appear to be without a key contributor.

George Kittle's status for today has been determined. Speculation has run rampant about the tight end's hamstring injury.

San Francisco comes into Week 11 with a 5-4 record, behind the Cardinals in the NFC West. They are battling to stay in the division race. That's an important factor in the decision regarding Kittle today. Typically, teams err on the side of caution with a hamstring issue but with a division battle on deck in Week 11, Kittle's services are needed.

The 49ers are a team that's been battered all season, they have experience playing without their top dogs already. Here's the latest on Kittle before Sunday's kickoff at Levi's Stadium against the Seahawks.

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George Kittle injury update

The 49ers have ruled their All-Pro tight end out for today's game.

ESPN's Adam Schefter delivered discouraging news for Kittle's status in the early hours of Sunday morning. Schefter shared that Kittle is "unlikely to play." The team was not optimistic that Kittle could take the field today, and the team's announcement has made Kittle's absence today official.

Despite being a weekly staple on the injury report, Kittle has missed just one game, Week 3 against the Rams. However, the alarms began to sound in the lead-up to Week 11, when Kittle sat out Wednesday's practice and then managed just limited sessions on Thursday and Friday before getting the "questionable" tag.

The Niners have been no stranger to playing without their stars on offense this season. Christian McCaffrey missed the first nine weeks of the season before making his season debut last Sunday. Deebo Samuel missed one game earlier this season and left another early in the first quarter due to pneumonia. They also lost Brandon Aiyuk for the rest of the season after he suffered a torn ACL in Week 7.

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49ers TE depth chart

San Francisco's depth on offense has been tested all season. Here's a look at how the tight end room breaks down with Kittle out:

The veteran Saubert will assume the TE1 spot, but it would take a community effort behind him. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Saubert is dealing with an illness, and he could be limited.

Kittle missed one game earlier this season and Saubert played 86% of snaps, catching two passes for 41 yards. However, the reality is that San Fran will probably look elsewhere with Kittle sidelined. Shanahan's offense likely turns to fullback Kyle Juszczyk and the running back room to make up that missing production in the passing game.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Kittle injury update: Is 49ers TE playing today vs. Seahawks?