George Kittle injury update: 49ers activate star tight end off Injured Reserve, expected to play vs. Falcons

In a season full of injuries for the San Francisco 49ers, some positive news came on Saturday afternoon. Star tight end George Kittle appears set to play against the Atlanta Falcons for Sunday Night Football. Kittle will be activated from injured reserve and bring back a major weapon for the 49ers.

“49ers activated TE George Kittle off injured reserve and he is expected to play Sunday night vs the Falcons,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said via X.

Kittle played in the Week 1 NFC West matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks, putting together a nice performance. On four receptions, the tight end went for 25 yards and a touchdown. However, it’s the only time Kittle has stepped onto the field this season.

This comes after back-to-back years of surpassing the century mark in receiving yards. The 2023 campaign resulted in a first-team All-Pro honor, before going second-team All-Pro the following year. This injury might hamper some of the awards but if there is anyone who can pick up big-time stats moving forward, it’s Kittle.

He might be playing alongside his normal starting quarterback as well. Brock Purdy is expected to play against the Falcons. If anything were to change, Mac Jones would once again go under center. While San Francisco wants their franchise guy out there, Jones provides one of the better backup quarterback situations in the NFL.

The past few weeks prove as such. Jones has been out there for four games as the starter, winning three of them. A tough loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did take place in Week 6, dropping the 49ers to 4-2 overall.

More on San Francisco 49ers, getting George Kittle back to set up NFC West race

The calendar might only read the middle of October. However, the NFC West is already proving to be one of the more difficult divisions in the NFL. Three teams currently possess a record of 4-2 through six games played. Seattle and Los Angeles join San Francisco, while Arizona trails the trio at 2-4.

Putting together solid offensive performances has been a theme for all three. Maybe not what anybody expected to be saying about the 49ers due to a good amount of injuries. Not just to Kittle and Purdy but other skill position players too. Kittle’s return is the type of move that can completely shift a division race, — his impact in the offense is that large.