The San Francisco 49ers are ‘not optimistic’ that tight end George Kittle will be healthy enough to start against the Seattle Seahawks, according to latest reports.
Kittle is struggling with a hamstring injury and has been listed as questionable all week, with fans anxiously awaiting news over whether their superstar will take to the field on Sunday.
In a new update from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it has been revealed that Kittle is ‘unlikely to play’, but the 49ers are yet to make a final decision.
It is being reported that the team will see how Kittle is feeling pregame before they finalize a decision, but they aren’t hopeful that he will be ready to play a part against the Seahawks.
Kittle has had an injury-hit start to the season, also missing the Week 3 game against the LA Rams.
He played 89% of the team’s snaps on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but has since been limited in practice throughout the week.
George Kittle is unlikely to play for the San Francisco 49ers this afternoon, a new report claims
Kittle has already missed one game this year and is one of the team’s most productive players
In the early stages of the week, head coach Kyle Shanahan did not seem overly concerned about Kittle’s status, but as the days have progressed his likelihood of playing has decreased.
If Kittle does miss out on Sunday, the 49ers will turn to backup tight end Eric Saubert to fill the gap.
The 30-year-old, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2017, is already on his 10th NFL team having bounced around the league.
He started with the Falcons, but has also been on the rosters of the Patriots, Raiders, Bears, Jaguars, Broncos, Dolphins, Cowboys and Texans.
The Niners are 5-4 heading into their Week 10 matchup against the 4-5 Seahawks, but things are looking slightly better for the team after they welcomed back superstar running back Christian McCaffrey last week.
Eric Saubert is primed to replace him in the team if Kittle is not ready to suit up on Sunday
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has had plenty of injury issues to deal with this season
There was also good news on Sunday morning regarding Pro-Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams, who has been struggling with an ankle injury.
Schefter reports that San Francisco are ‘more hopeful and optimistic’ that he will be ready to go against Seattle, after he missed out on Friday practice.
It is understood that Williams believes he is fit enough to play, but the team will do some last-minute tests pregame to make sure he is well enough.
