49ers Superstar TE George Kittle Expected to Play vs. Steelers
49ers superstar tight end George Kittle is expected to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported.
Kittle practiced on a limited basis for the entire week. He noted on Thursday that he felt “wonderful,” which seemed to signal the likelihood that Kittle would suit for the 49ers against the Steelers. Now, if Schefter is to be believed, that is precisely what will happen.
Kittle played in the 49ers last preseason game against the Chargers but suffered a setback with his groin injury heading up to the Steelers game. It seems that is smoothed chiefly over at this point, as most signs point to Kittle suiting up and playing. Kittle suffered the injury during training camp and has logged only two practices in the last three weeks. Kittle missed the first two weeks of last season with a groin strain, and it appeared that he was in doubt in the first week of the year. But it seems the rest did him well, and Kittle will be out there.
Kittle noted earlier this offseason that he was fired up to face T.J. Watt. If the injury persists, the Steelers could have an even more significant advantage up front.
“If it comes to blocking, I’ll toot my own horn. That’s just stuff I practice my entire offseason. I take all the reps in-season. Like I’m very prideful when it comes to that stuff,” Kittle said. “When it’s like second down and they’re like, ‘Hey, it’s pass-15 weak, you’re one-on-one versus a Cam Jordan. You’re one-on-one versus T.J. Watt, go for it.’ I’m not like, ‘Yeah, like hey, he gets paid millions of dollars to rush the passer.’ But I look at it as an opportunity for me to be like, ‘You’re not going to be able to get past me,’ and I’m very excited about that.”
Kittle’s receiving and blocking ability bring together a beautiful harmony that makes him one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but injuries have forced him to be less than available for an entire season in the past. Still, he racked up over 700 yards in 15 games last year and, if he plays as expected, is a force to be reckoned with for the Steelers.
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