Although the San Francisco 49ers aren’t quite in concern mode yet following their Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, they do need a victory this Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks to avoid some real negative energy building up in the Bay Area.
New starting quarterback Trey Lance had a lackluster outing, and another one would cause increased calls for Jimmy Garoppolo to take over for him under center.
On the other hand, if Lance plays well and leads the 49ers to a win this week, there will likely be ample praise coming his way afterward.
One thing that would surely help his chances of a strong performance is the return of tight end George Kittle, who was unable to play last Sunday because of a groin injury.
He still couldn’t participate in practice on Thursday, yet head coach Kyle Shanahan said he could still play on Sunday.
Kyle Shanahan on KNBR says George Kittle still has a chance to play on Sunday. Isn't optimistic about Daniel Brunskill. #49ers
FYI: @ProFootballTalk, @NFLCharean, @JoshAlper, @MylesASimmons, @MichaelDavSmith, @alekarend, @RosvoglouReport, @BeatKit22 https://t.co/IOsk7LzM1d
— 49ers Webzone PR (@49wzPRguy) September 15, 2022
Kittle Has Been Somewhat Injury-Prone Over The Years
A fifth-round draft choice in 2017, Kittle became one of the NFL’s best tight ends in his second season, posting 1,377 yards and five touchdowns while earning his first of three Pro Bowl nods.
At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, he is a tough and physical customer, and he has provided the 49ers with a very reliable pass target over the past few years.
Last year, he had 910 yards and six touchdowns along with a robust 75.5 percent catch rate.
However, Niners fans have been frustrated about his propensity to sustain injuries.
Kittle missed three games last year with a calf injury, and the season prior, a knee injury and broken bone in his foot cost him eight contests.
It has led to the narrative that he is hardly ever available and cannot be counted on consistently to produce.
However, that narrative isn’t very true, as he has played in the vast, vast majority of games since joining the league.
George Kittle has played in 73 of 87 possible games since he joined the 49ers. That's 84% of games, and he plays an extremely physical position at higher speeds than anyone else in the NFL.
The "Kittle is hardly available" narrative simply isn't true https://t.co/kM33HO5Akt
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 8, 2022
In addition, one has to consider the types of injuries he has had and the circumstances surrounding those injuries.
George Kittle has dealt with injury every year in the NFL
2017: Ankle sprain
2018: AC joint sprain
2019: Hyperextended knee
2020: Hyperextended knee, Cuboid fractureHis injuries have come as a blocker or defenseless receiver, suggesting he's more unlucky than "injury prone"
— Matthew Betz (@TheFantasyPT) May 25, 2021
Dr. Edwin Porras, a physical therapist, picked apart Kittle’s “injury-prone” narrative throughout a Twitter thread not too long ago.
The narrative on Kittle is "he just runs so violently so of course he's injured often"
Is George Kittle "injury prone"? Probably not.
Does his playing style impact his durability? Even less likely.
Join me for a much-needed thread.
1/ pic.twitter.com/gCxqTlUfwB— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) November 26, 2020
Pro football is a violent sport, and therefore, players tend to get injured more than their basketball, baseball, or even their hockey counterparts.
Given that tight ends both block and get tackled by defenders, some unfortunate injuries have to be expected from playing at that position.
The 49ers Need An Offensive Boost
San Francisco’s offense through two quarters and change on Sunday was solid, as it took a 10-0 lead early in the third quarter.
But afterward, it got as flat as the Central Valley.
One factor was the rain at Soldier Field, as Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields was about as inaccurate with his passing as Lance was.
But not having that security blanket in Kittle also hurt.
The Seahawks may not make the playoffs, but they’re coming off a win over Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos, so they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
If Kittle can play against them, even if he is used more sparingly than usual, it would be a boon to the Niners as they look to avoid a dismal 0-2 start to a still-promising season.
NEXT: 49ers HC Gives Update On George Kittle's Injury Status