San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was held out of practice on Wednesday, though it appears to be just a precaution.
Kittle sustained a knee injury during the Niners' opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but he was able to return to the contest. However, the All-Pro took a seat for some additional rest.
#49ers George Kittle will not practice today with a knee sprain.
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) September 16, 2020
In fact, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Kittle is not expected to practice all week, though San Francisco hopes he will be able to suit up in Week 2.
49ers’ TE George Kittle wont practice this week due to his knee injury, but SF still hopeful he will play Sunday vs. Jets.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2020
Kittle is no stranger to playing through injury.
The 26-year-old suffered a broken ankle in last year's matchup with the Cardinals, but still returned to play the remainder of the game. He did sit out a pair of contests shortly thereafter, but returned to the field for the last six games of the regular season as well as the 49ers' run to the Super Bowl.
Kittle was rewarded for his superb 2019 season with an enormous extension this offseason. Aside from being one of Jimmy Garoppolo's top targets, Kittle is also one of the best run-blocking tight ends in football, anchoring the 49ers' zone read schemes and carving out running lanes around the goal line.
The 49ers need Kittle on the field, particularly given wide receivers Deebo Samuel and first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk are also dealing with injuries. San Francisco signed Mohamed Sanu, but he cannot practice with the team until Friday.
Kyle Shanahan says new WR Mohamed Sanu can’t practice with the team until Friday. #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) September 16, 2020
In any case, the 49ers will hope some rest and recovery will make all the difference for Kittle as they hope to get back on track against the Jets.
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