The San Francisco 49ers are in line to get a major boost in Week 7 as they prepare to face the upstart Atlanta Falcons.
Moreover, the word comes directly from the source, with All-Pro tight end George Kittle announcing his plans to make his return to the field on Sunday.
Kittle has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 2, and he has only played in one game this season. The 32-year-old pass-catcher has four receptions for 25 yards and one touchdown on the season.
The 49ers have lost several key players since he went down, including defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, both of whom are on season-ending injured reserve. Quarterback Brock Purdy is nearing his return, too, but Kittle’s appears to be imminent.
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ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported on X on Thursday that Kittle said he “fully plans” on playing on Sunday. Kittle told reporters that he had a full tear and did not want to risk a season-ending setback by rushing back.
Kittle admitted his balky hamstring “felt really good” this week, and that “today felt better than yesterday,” adding that he was “excited to go out there and hang out with my friends.”
Kittle also said he had a full hamstring tear.
The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro has been mostly durable in his career, playing in at least 14 games in seven of his previous eight seasons in the NFL. This season, he will finish with 12 games played at most, which would be the second-fewest of his career.
At any rate, Kittle is eager to bring his usual energy and, he hopes, stellar play for the 49ers in his return to action.
“I’m going to try my best to shove everybody as hard as I possibly can,” Kittle stated. ” “Whether it’s with my energy or, hopefully, really good playing ability. That’d be my dream. But just try to bring the juice and add it. Because I’m really excited to play with Kendrick Bourne again. And I think I’m really excited for whenever Ricky [Pearsall] gets back. Because I think we’ll – us three will have some of the most fun together that you’ll see on the football field, just with our vibes.
“Our offense hasn’t 100% figured it out yet, but we’re 4-2, Mac Jones is playing a hell of a football, our wide receivers are stepping up when they need to step up. Our guys are making plays when they need to step up. I know last week we lost. But overall, I think the team is playing well, and I don’t think we’ve really found out who exactly we are yet, besides gritty and we like to hit people, which – I can work with that.”
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Having logged just one game – and 26 snaps – before his injury, Kittle said he was extremely anxious to get back on the field.
“I have been so very excited to play football since last season ended, and being only able to play 26 snaps has been very difficult for me. I’ve been trying my best to get back as fast as I can without being an idiot and rushing it. So, the itch, I would say, has been there,” Kittle said.
“I’m very excited to play, and I’m very excited to bring juice for this team.”
