Sep 20, 2024 5:01 pm: Kittle (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Rams, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Kittle was first listed on the injury report Thursday as a non-participant and then missed another practice Friday. It's bad timing for a 49ers offense that's already without RB Christian McCaffrey (IR - Achilles) and WR Deebo Samuel (out - calf), leaving WR Brandon Aiyuk as the far-and-away No. 1 option after he caught only six of 10 targets for 71 yards over the first two weeks of the season. Eric Saubert figures to start at tight end this Sunday, but Aiyuk and fellow wideout Jauan Jennings are more likely to benefit from Kittle's absence in a way that matters for fantasy football. Jake Tonges could play ahead of Saubert in passing situations, and it's also possible the various injuries lead to FB Kyle Juszczyk getting more snaps and/or touches.