Kittle Long Shot as 49ers Remain Shorthanded

The 49ers improved to 4-1 with a 26-23 overtime win over the Rams but remain banged up across the roster, with quarterback Brock Purdy sidelined and receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings out while tight end George Kittle remains on injured reserve. Head coach Kyle Shanahan called Kittle a “long shot” to play in Week 6 at Tampa Bay and said a Week 7 return vs. Atlanta is a more realistic target as the team waits to open his 21-day practice window. Kittle has a hamstring strain from Week 1 and the 49ers are taking a cautious approach to avoid re‑aggravation after earlier rushed returns around the roster. In his absence Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell have stabilized the position—Tonges hauled in seven catches for 41 yards and a touchdown against the Rams and has been a reliable target through five games. San Francisco also plans to open rookie safety Malik Mustapha’s practice window next week while managing additional issues including Kalia Davis undergoing surgery and Yetur Gross‑Matos being limited, underscoring a broader health challenge despite the team's depth keeping them competitive.