49ers’ George Kittle Day-to-Day With Sprained Foot Injury Ahead of Cowboys Game

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVOctober 21, 2024

Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is being considered day-to-day with a sprained foot, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It is the latest injury in what has been a rough season for the Niners on that front. This week alone, star wideout Brandon Aiyuk was lost for the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, while Deebo Samuel has been hospitalized due to pneumonia and fluid in his lungs.

Meanwhile, star running back Christian McCaffrey remains sidelined with Achilles tendinitis and likely won’t return until after the team’s Week 9 bye.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheetCoach Mike Shanahan confirms that Christian McCaffrey is unlikely to play this Sunday vs. the #Cowboys and says there is a “better chance” after next week’s bye. That’s Nov. 10 https://t.co/SRQkAAmyWQ

Other key players battling injuries or on injured reserve include wideout Jauan Jennings, safety Talanoa Hufanga, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and running back Elijah Mitchell.

“It sucks,” center Jake Brendel told reporters Sunday regarding Aiyuk’s injury. “Any injury like that to one of your weapons on offense or defense, it just sucks. I feel like as a roster, we just have to respond. Whoever’s next on the roster needs to step up and make sure that there isn’t a setback and productivity on offense.”

The team’s rash of injuries has contributed to a 3-4 start to the season, a major disappointment for one of the preseason title favorites after San Francisco reached the Super Bowl a year ago, falling short against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for the second time in five seasons.

Akash Anavarathan @akashanavIn 2023, McCaffrey, Deebo, Aiyuk, Kittle and Jennings missed a combined 4 games (removing Week 18).

In 2024, McCaffrey, Deebo, Aiyuk, Kittle and Jennings have missed a combined 10 games (we’re in Week 8).

Kittle has been one of the bright spots, leading the Niners in receptions (34) and receiving touchdowns (five) while ranking second in receiving yards (375) behind only Jennings. If the veteran tight end misses the Week 8 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, quarterback Brock Purdy would be without his four best offensive weapons (and potentially five, if Jennings is also unable to go).

San Francisco’s offense is skating on thin ice, in other words, and it’s thawing at an alarming pace.