George Kittle, the fourth tight end taken off fantasy boards in 2022, was expected to be a primary weapon for Trey Lance and the 49ers when they kick off the 2022 season in Chicago on Sunday. However, over the course of the past week, the sixth-year TE has struggled with a groin injury he sustained in Monday’s practice that has left him with the “questionable” tag. Will Kittle be able to take the field for Week 1? Here’s what we know.
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George Kittle not expected to play Week 1 vs. Bears
George Kittle is not expected to play vs. the Bears on Sunday due to the groin injury he suffered in practice Monday, according to a report from Erich Branch from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Fantasy Impact
Kittle has been trending in the wrong direction for most of the week after reportedly injuring his groin during a practice on Monday, and fantasy managers should have him on their bench this week even if he does end up being active. With Kittle out, Charlie Woerner, Tyler Kroft and Ross Dwelley could all see increased roles, but none is worth starting outside of deeper formats. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel could see additional targets from second-year QB Trey Lance with Kittle out.
Related News:
- George Kittle (groin) listed as questionable for Sunday
- George Kittle (groin) considered ”not good”
- George Kittle misses practice Wednesday
What the Experts are Saying
He’s played without practicing before, but this injury just hit on Monday, and if reports of a grade-2 groin strain are accurate, we’re usually looking at three weeks out. Plan on using your backup for now. After this heals, he’ll carry a ~25% recurrence rate in the short term, but if he stays healthy, his performance should bounce right back to normal.
-Deepak Chona
George Kittle was his usual outstanding self last year as the TE4 in fantasy points per game, finishing top three in target share, target per route run rate, and yards per route run at the position. He’s my third favorite San Francisco pass catcher this week, though. The Bears were 14th in DVOA against the position last year, allowing the second-lowest receiving yardage total to tight ends. Considering the position, though, he’s a must-start. Alan Williams, the Bears’ new defensive coordinator, was the Colts’ secondary coach from 2018-2021, so we can expect the team to install a more zone-heavy approach under Williams and Matt Ebrerflus. Indy had no issue giving up points to opposing tight ends last year, with the seventh-most receiving yards and eighth-most fantasy points per game surrendered to the position.
-Derek Brown
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