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.
Check out our NFL News Desk for the latest injury news 
George Kittle (groin) is listed as questionable for Week 1
George Kittle has been listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s game against the Bears.
Fantasy Impact
It would be a surprise if Kittle plays on Sunday, but it is possible with this designation. Kittle managers should look elsewhere at the tight end position come Sunday. David Njoku, Austin Hooper, and Gerald Everett are a few potential viable fill-ins this week.
Related News:
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
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
