NFL Rumors: 49ers Superstar Tight End Could Return in Week 3

The San Francisco 49ers might see a major boost on offense ahead of their Sunday Night Football clash with the Denver Broncos. The Athletic's David Lombardi speculated on Thursday that tight end George Kittle could make his long-awaited return to the field in Week 3:

George Kittle doing his usual thing at Thursday’s 49ers practice: Individual work with TE coach Brian Fleury during the special teams portion. I’d say Kittle looks to be on track to play against Denver pic.twitter.com/eNMLYjdQTY
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 22, 2022

Kittle missed the first two weeks of the season with a groin injury sustained in an August practice. Initially, the 49ers hoped the tight end wouldn't lose any time at all, but they've played it safe with their superstar. Kittle has missed 13 games since the 2019 season, and it's more important that he's healthy at the end of the year than at the beginning.

Kittle has been a dominant blocker and receiver for the 49ers since being taken 146th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He set a record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1377 in 2018 in only his second year, and he has compiled 4489 yards, 20 touchdowns, and three Pro Bowls in his five-year career. Should he see the field this Sunday, he'll join a stacked group of pass catchers that includes Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk as they attempt to lift up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the wake of opening day starter Trey Lance's Week 2 injury. The 49ers offense ranked seventh in yards gained and 13th in scoring last year under Garoppolo.