Former Iowa tight end placed on Injured Reserve

Tight end George Kittle will not be suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday or anytime soon. The 49ers announced a series of roster moves ahead of their Sunday matchup against the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals. Quite possibly the biggest move listed is the placement of their All Pro tight end on the injured reserve list.

On a second-and-10 play in the second quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, Kittle went down. Kittle had reaggravated a calf injury he suffered in week one against the Detroit Lions. On the play against the Seahawks, he was tackled from behind by linebacker Jordan Brooks at landed awkwardly on his leg. The leg rolled up underneath him in an attempt to make a catch. Although he was on the ground writhing in pain, Carroll was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power.

Because of this lingering injury, Kittle will be placed on the San Francisco 49ers short-term injured reserve list. According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the move will have the San Francisco tight end sidelined for at least the next three games. Schefter also noted that the team does believe that Kittle should be ready to return by then.

Kittle’s production with the 49ers

The former Iowa Hawkeye has been a favorite target 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo since joining the team. In 2018 and 2019, Kittle had over 85 receptions, at least 1000 yards receiving, and five touchdowns in both seasons. Both years, he received All-Pro NFL honors — second-team All Pro in 2018 and first-team All Pro in 2019. Before going down with the injury, Kittle had 19 catches for 227 yards, an average of 11.9 yards per catch. But, he failed to record a touchdown reception during that time.

The type of production Kittle offers cannot be easily replaced, but the 49ers will need to find one in his absence. So look for fourth-year tight end Ross Dwelley to see more targets in Kittle’s absence. Dwelley only has one catch on the season for 21 yards, but it was for a touchdown in last week’s loss to the Seahawks. Aside from him, the 49ers could use fullback Kyle Juszczyk more in the passing game. Juszczyk is essentially the team’s Swiss army knife on offense.

Fortunately for the 49ers, their bye week is in Week 6, following this Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. If things go as planned in San Francisco look for them to have Kittle back in time for their Halloween matchup against the Chicago Bears.