NFL Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Superstar Tight End Could Miss Week 2

Things aren't looking good for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle in Week 2. The Athletic's David Lombardi shared that Kittle missed practice again Thursday, casting his availability into doubt for Sunday's matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

No George Kittle again at the start of Thursday’s 49ers practice — obviously not a good sign for his potential availability against the Seahawks
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 15, 2022

Kittle sustained a groin injury in practice leading up to Week 1. Despite optimism he'd be ready to go for the team's season opener, the tight end remains sidelined and is now looking like a long shot to be ready for Week 2. Should he continue to miss time, the 49ers will be short one of their best offensive players against a Seahawks team that just upset the Denver Broncos 17-16. Considering the degree to which San Francisco struggled passing the ball in their 19-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, Kittle's absence could very well spell disaster.

A three-time Pro Bowler in his five seasons with the 49ers, Kittle is one of the league's premier tight ends, dominating as a catcher and a blocker. He has averaged an amazing 76.4 receiving yards per game since taking over as a full-time starter in his second year. Should he be unavailable, the 49ers will likely spread his targets around the receiving corps to wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Backup tight ends Tyler Kroft and Ross Dwelley are not credible threats in the passing game.