Overview

• Kittle remains on short-term injured reserve and will not play against the Rams in Week 5, which marks his fourth missed game.
• General manager John Lynch said Kittle is progressing well and indicated the Buccaneers game in Week 6 is a realistic target once he is eligible.
• NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport previously reported the absence could last up to five weeks, which would push a return to Week 7 versus the Falcons.
• Designating Kittle to return would open a 21-day window for the 49ers to evaluate him and activate him to the 53-man roster.
• San Francisco’s passing options are thin with quarterback Brock Purdy ruled out and multiple receivers unavailable, with Jake Tonges (12 catches, 125 yards, two touchdowns) and Luke Farrell filling in at tight end.