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49ers TE George Kittle Issues Public Apology

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 11:11 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers (5-2) are one of the most injured teams in the NFL, but they won't let that stop them from winning. Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) missed Sunday night's 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons (3-3), while wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and star pass rusher Nick Bosa (knee) are just two of their many players on injured reserve per ESPN.

On the other hand, tight end George Kittle returned from a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 1. The six-time Pro Bowler didn't play like his usual self, as he had no catches on two targets.

Kittle apologized about his performance postgame, via Fox Sports: NFL.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85)Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

"You know, personally I thought with the game plan, based on the walkthrough yesterday I thought I was gonna have 150 yards and two touchdowns, so sorry fantasy coaches and anyone who bet on me," he joked. "Blame [head coach] Kyle Shanahan, not me."

Kittle is usually featured in the passing game when he's in the lineup, as he led San Francisco in receiving last year and finished second in each of the previous three seasons. However, backup quarterback Mac Jones relied on star tailback Christian McCaffrey on Sunday, who led the squad with 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries to go with seven catches for 72 receiving yards.

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George Kittle's Production Could Depend on Brock Purdy

Kittle likely doesn't have the same chemistry with Jones as Purdy given the fact that he's played with the latter signal-caller since 2022, while the former is new to the team this year. Unfortunately, Shanahan said on Monday that Purdy returning against the Houston Texans (2-3) in Week 8 "is a stretch," per NBC Sports' Jennifer Lee Chang.

At the same time, Jones has had several quality performances this season. The 27-year-old recorded 340-plus passing yards against the Los Angeles Rams (5-2) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2), and he tallied three touchdowns against no interceptions against the New Orleans Saints.

Jones has also completed 67 percent of his passes and averaged 7.2 yards per attempt across his five games this year. Kittle could imitate his production with Purdy if he develops a rapport with Jones for as long as he starts.

San Francisco will travel to Houston for its Week 8 matchup before playing the New York Giants on the road in Week 9.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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