The star tight end for the 49ers, George Kittle, tweaked his hamstring on a long run in the second quarter and did not return. That’s just what happened during the Atlanta Falcons’ season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The injury occurred as Kittle ran a route down the right sideline, where he was sacked by Seahawks safety Julian Love with 10:06 left in the quarter. Kittle’s performance before the injury included four catches for 25 yards and a crucial 5-yard touchdown that gave the 49ers an early 7-0 lead.
After sustaining the injury, Kittle grimaced as he hobbled back to the Niners’ sideline from the other side of the field. He quickly went into the NFL-mandated blue injury tent for evaluation. It was about two minutes before halftime when he came out on the field in a baseball cap and holding his helmet. Immediately after that, the coaches declared him out for the remainder of the game.
Kittle’s absence not only hurts the 49ers’ offense, it alters the whole identity of the team’s most important player. To start the 2024 season he missed two games with hamstring injuries. These failures happened only during Weeks 3 and 11. His condition will be monitored closely in the days ahead, the team said. Just like their concerns to know whether he’ll be healthy enough to play in upcoming games.
His premature exit from Tuesday’s match-up doesn’t bode well for Kittle’s continued health and effectiveness going forward this season. It’s going to require a serious change in game plan for the 49ers without one of their most consistent, reliable offensive weapons. Coach Kyle Shanahan shared his optimism that Kittle’s injury wouldn’t be serious, but then added that you never know with a calf, even when it is the case.
The longer the game went on, the more likely the 49ers were to feel the absence of Kittle’s presence on the field. Fans and analysts alike are going to be awaiting news on his status going into next week’s likely game of the year matchup.
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