George Kittle injury update: 49ers star tight end dealt with rib injury in Week 4 after monster TD in first half

The 49ers are hitting their stride against the Patriots in Week 4 and look more like themselves, but another key injury might slow them down again.

San Francisco got a boost to the offense with Deebo Samuel (calf) and George Kittle (hamstring) back in the lineup after missing Week 3. Kittle let his presence be known early as he came down with a monster touchdown in the first half. The tight end evaded triple coverage and somehow hauled in the score.

Unfortunately, Kittle is dealing with another injury. This time, it's a rib issue. The Sporting News will bring you the latest injury updates as they are released.

George Kittle injury update

Kittle is officially "questionable" to return for the game and has been diagnosed with a rib injury.

Kittle must have gotten the right treatment during halftime or benefitted from the extra breather. Either way, the tight end was back on the field in the third quarter. He dropped a pivotal block on a New England defender that helped spring running back Jordan Mason for a four-yard rushing touchdown.

If Kittle misses any more time, this article will be updated, but he seems good to go regarding his rib injury.

San Francisco tight end depth chart

Kittle is a perfect blend of a receiving and a blocking tight end. He is used less frequently in the passing game, but he can still have highlight reel plays like his touchdown in the first half. The San Francisco offense loses some of its versatility when he is off the field.

Eric Saubert

Saubert has bounced around the NFL since entering it in 2017. The Atlanta Falcons selected him in the fifth round out of Drake. Saubert spent two seasons with them and has since bounced around 10 different teams between practice squads and regular-season rosters. In 2023, Saubert split time with the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.

Jake Tonges

Tonges spent all five years of his collegiate career at California and went undrafted in 2022. He spent his rookie season with the Chicago Bears and joined the Niners in 2023, but he has typically been a practice squad member.