49ers' George Kittle (knee) won't play vs. Jets

George Kittle has been ruled out for the 49ers' Week 2 game against the Jets. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

49ers All-Pro TE George Kittle (knee) won't play vs. Jets

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/18/20

Reports that San Francisco 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle could play through the knee sprain he suffered during the Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals were premature.

The 49ers officially ruled the 26-year-old out for Sunday's road game versus the New York Jets after Kittle didn't practice all week:

Here's the @DignityHealth injury report heading into #SFvsNYJ. pic.twitter.com/gmmQUjZ7PX
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 18, 2020

As of Wednesday, Kittle remained confident he could feature versus Gang Green even if he didn't practice once through Friday. He stayed on the field for the entire second half against Arizona after he tweaked his knee shortly before halftime of that contest, but he didn't see a single target from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo over the last two quarters of play.

Kittle ended the game with four catches and 44 receiving yards.

The 49ers now will hope to have Kittle back in practices ahead of their Sept. 27 showdown with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Jets will be without wide receiver Jamison Crowder and running back Le'Veon Bell on Sunday. Both starters are sidelined by hamstring injuries.

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