The San Francisco 49ers, last year’s Super Bowl hopefuls, are off to a rocky start this season with a 1-2 record.
Injuries to key players have been the main culprit, throwing a wrench in their plans.
Christian McCaffrey, their star running back, is sidelined with calf and Achilles issues, while Deebo Samuel is nursing a calf injury.
To add to their woes, star tight end George Kittle has been grappling with a hamstring problem, further hampering the offense.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Niners. Thursday’s practice brought a glimmer of hope as Kittle, Samuel, left tackle Trent Williams, and quarterback Brock Purdy all made appearances on the field.
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner recently shared some uplifting news. Kittle, it seems, is chomping at the bit to get back in action this Sunday against the Patriots.
In Kittle’s own words, he’s “very excited to play football” and “feeling fantastic.”
#49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) sounds like he expects to return on Sunday against the Patriots. Says he’s “very excited to play football” and “feeling fantastic.”
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 26, 2024
Kittle’s sudden appearance on the injury report last Thursday raised eyebrows.
He missed practice due to soreness, and he’s since shed light on what happened.
The tight end revealed he battled lower body cramps throughout the third quarter in Week 2, even requiring an IV. Those pesky cramps returned with a vengeance in the fourth quarter.
Kittle was “really sore” and still felt off during last Wednesday’s practice. An MRI revealed a grade 1 hamstring strain, leading to his absence from Friday’s practice and his doubtful status for the game.
Ultimately, he was ruled out for the Rams game.
But now, with Kittle seemingly ready to return, the 49ers might just have a shot at turning their luck around against the Patriots this Sunday.
His presence on the field could be the boost they need to get their season back on track.
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