Overview
- Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that George Kittle will not play in Week 6 and has a chance to return for Week 7 against the Falcons.
- The 49ers did not designate Kittle to return this week, keeping him on injured reserve after his Week 1 hamstring injury.
- Under NFL rules, once designated to return, Kittle must be activated within 21 days or revert to IR for the season.
- Backup Jake Tonges has logged 19 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns in five games, boosting his value during Kittle’s absence.
- Speculation from FanSided suggests Tonges could attract late-round trade interest before the early November deadline, as injuries to Brock Purdy and wideouts Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings complicate near-term roster choices.