George Kittle Injury Update: 49ers Tight End Expected Back for Week 7 vs. Falcons

San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that while Kittle is unlikely to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, the six-time Pro Bowler is on track to suit up in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.

Kittle, 31, has been sidelined since suffering the injury in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. His comeback would give the 49ers’ offense a major boost just as they prepare to face one of the NFL’s most improved defenses.

Kyle Shanahan Confirms George Kittle’s Return Timeline

Speaking to reporters this week, Shanahan said Kittle remains a “long shot” to return for the Buccaneers matchup but is expected to be fully cleared for Week 7. The tight end has missed four straight games after being placed on injured reserve earlier this season.

Before getting hurt, Kittle caught four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown in the season opener. In 2024, he posted 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and proving himself as one of the NFL’s elite playmakers at the position.

Kittle’s return would also signal a turning point for the 49ers’ offense. San Francisco has been forced to play without Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and rookie Ricky Pearsall for stretches of the season. Despite the absences, the team managed to grind out an overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5.

The 49ers’ running game has stayed afloat thanks to Christian McCaffrey, who remains in the Offensive Player of the Year race alongside Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson. Adding Kittle back to the lineup would give Purdy a trusted target over the middle and significantly improve the team’s play-action passing attack.

What Kittle’s Return Means for the Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons enter Week 7 with a 2-2 record after their early bye week. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s group has been one of the most dominant units in the NFL through four games. Rookie safety Xavier Watts was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month, and star cornerback A.J. Terrell is expected to return from injury in time for the matchup.

Atlanta’s young defensive front, featuring rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., will face a stiff challenge against 37-year-old left tackle Trent Williams and the 49ers’ veteran offensive line. Stopping McCaffrey while also accounting for Kittle’s route running and blocking will be a tall order.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will also need to step up for Atlanta’s offense to keep pace if the 49ers return to near full strength. San Francisco’s defense remains one of the league’s best, and the added offensive firepower from Kittle’s return could force the Falcons into a shootout.

George Kittle’s expected Week 7 return gives San Francisco a huge lift at a pivotal time. For the Falcons, it’s a tough challenge after their bye, with one of the NFL’s most complete rosters likely to be back on the field under the lights.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is George Kittle expected to return?

Kyle Shanahan said Kittle is unlikely to play Week 6 but is on track to return in Week 7 against the Falcons.

Q2: How long has George Kittle been out?

Kittle has missed four games since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the Seahawks.

Q3: How has the 49ers offense performed without Kittle?

San Francisco has struggled with injuries but still managed to win against the Rams in Week 5 thanks to Christian McCaffrey and a strong defense.

Q4: What challenges will the Falcons face with Kittle back?

Atlanta’s defense will need to stop both Christian McCaffrey and Kittle while testing its young defensive line against Trent Williams and a veteran 49ers front.

Q5: What was Kittle’s 2024 season like?

He recorded 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, earning his fourth straight Pro Bowl selection.