The San Francisco 49ers may have their preseason opener without star tight end George Kittle, the Pro Bowler. Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan, said Kittle will get sidelined for a week due to an adductor injury. Cameron Latu, Charlie Woerner, and Ross Dwelley could fill in.
With San Francisco, George Kittle will be entering his seventh season. The former fifth-round pick had a career-high in 2022 with 11 touchdown receptions. In fifteen games, he has 60 receptions for 765 yards. Before his injuries limited his appearances to eight in ’20, he had appeared in 29 games over the past two seasons.
Here’s the timeline of his injuries: (Date, League, and Injury Details)
Aug 1, 2017: NFL – Thigh Hamstring Sprain/Pull – Kittle missed about a week of training camp with a hamstring injury. He was ready for Week 1.
Nov 5, 2017: NFL – Pedal Ankle Sprain/Pull – Kittle missed 1 game with a sprained ankle.
Oct 15, 2016: Non-NFL – Pedal Foot Sprain – Kittle injured his right foot against Purdue on October 15. He was limited the rest of the season and missed 2 games.
Aug 9, 2018: NFL – Shoulder A/C Joint Separation – Kittle separated his right shoulder in the preseason opener. There was no structural damage.
Oct 31, 2019: NFL – Knee Patella Sprain – Kittle suffered an injury to his knee in Week 9 game vs. the Cardinals. He missed two games.
Aug 27, 2020: NFL – Thigh Hamstring Strain Grade 2 – Kittle dealt with a tight hamstring during training camp.
Sep 13, 2020: NFL – Knee MCL Sprain Grade 2 – Kittle was diagnosed with a sprained left knee after Week 1’s loss to the Cardinals. He missed two games.
Nov 1, 2020: NFL – Pedal Foot Fracture – Kittle suffered a small fracture in his foot during Week 8’s loss to the Seahawks. He was placed on IR.
Sep 26, 2021: NFL – Leg Calf Strain – Kittle emerged from the Week 3 game against the Packers with a calf injury. He played through it in the next game before being placed on IR.
Dec 15, 2021: NFL – Knee Strain Grade 1 – Kittle dealt with knee soreness ahead of the Week 15 game against Atlanta.
Sep 5, 2022: NFL – Inguinal Groin Strain Grade 2 – Kittle missed the first 2 games of the season.
Aug 9, 2023: NFL – Inguinal Groin Pull Grade 1 – Kittle is expected to miss about one week of practice.
Meanwhile, Ray-Ray McCloud, the team’s wide receiver, will miss up to eight weeks due to a broken wrist. He is the team’s primary kick and punt returner. Last season, he had his career-best performance with 321 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
