San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will likely miss their 2022 season opener against the Chicago Bears due to a groin injury.
Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson described the injury as “not good,” and contingency plans are in place for him.
It’s an unfortunate start for one of the league’s best tight ends as he waits a while before taking the field.
However, his latest injury rekindled the talks of him being oft-injured.
The Athletic’s David Lombardi had to put things in perspective.
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
A Twitter user declared, “Unfortunately, Kittle’s best ability is not availability. Good thing all his others are top of the league.”
To which Lombardi responded, “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”
He added, “On top of this, 8 of Kittle’s 14 missed games came in 2020, when the lack of an offseason program triggered an injury rise everywhere. In all seasons but 2020, Kittle has played in 65 of 71 (92%) of games.”
In his sixth season with the 49ers, Kittle has been a two-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler.
He played 14 games last season, finishing with 910 yards and a career-high six touchdowns.
Who Will Take Over For Kittle?
With the former Iowa standout sidelined, Tyler Kroft will likely start at tight end for San Francisco in Week 1.
Kroft was selected in the third round of the 2015 draft and had a touchdown catch last season, to go with 173 yards.
The 49ers also have Charlie Woerner, the sixth-round pick out of Georgia, and fourth-year pro Ross Dwelley.
The Niners hope that Kittle will be back in time for their Week 2 game versus the Seattle Seahawks.
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