Despite a depleted offense, the San Francisco 49ers pulled off a massive victory over their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, on Thursday Night Football. The 49ers were missing QB Brock Purdy, WRs Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and TE George Kittle. It didn’t matter as they still got a signature win to move to 4-1. Now, they need to get healthy again, but some might return later than fans want.
Kittle has been on IR since he suffered an injury in Week 1, and head coach Kyle Shanahan offered an update on a potential return for Kittle.
Kyle Shanahan’s Update on George Kittle
The 49ers can activate Kittle off injured reserve after this week because he has served his four weeks. With a long break because of Thursday Night Football, they have plenty of time to think about what to do. But Shanahan revealed that Kittle returning for their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a “long shot.”
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan told reporters that TE George Kittle, who has been on IR due to a hamstring injury, is more likely to return in Week 7 vs. Atlanta than next week in Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay. A return for next Sunday is considered a “long shot.” pic.twitter.com/iSq2lwXkjL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2025
It is more likely that Kittle will take the extra week to make sure that his hamstring is healthy before returning to play. A return to play in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons is in play and would likely be the game where he plays again.
They could use Kittle against a tough Buccaneers team, as many of their offensive weapons have also been injured. But rushing him back after starting 4-1 isn’t in the team’s best interest, as they need him for the stretch run and healthy for the playoffs, if they keep winning.
Kittle has four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown this year. Despite Kittle’s absence, the team has done enough, primarily due to the performances of Mac Jones, Christian McCaffrey, and the defense.
The 49ers’ offense has been ranked 10th in PFSN’s Offense Impact score through its first five weeks, with a grade of 79.2. Most teams have yet to play their Week 5 games, so this can change after teams play their games on Sunday or Monday. But for now, they are running a top-10 unit despite being hit with many injuries to their offensive skill positions.
Kittle’s return is coming soon, although likely not until Week 7. San Francisco is getting reinforcements as it weathers the storm with plenty of success. It won’t be easy, as another tough game lies ahead in Week 6, but it should be their last test without their star tight end.
