Banged-up 49ers could soon see key player return

The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with several brutal injuries this season, but one key player might soon be returning.

On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that two-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is expected at practice in Week 7 ahead of Sunday's game at home versus the Atlanta Falcons (2-2). Kittle has missed the team's past five games.

George Kittle update gives San Francisco 49ers rare positive injury news

Kittle's projected return to practice doesn't mean he'll be active against the Falcons, but it is a positive development for the injury-plagued 49ers.

In addition to losing Kittle, San Francisco has also been without quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) for four games. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk hasn't played this season while recovering from an October 2024 ACL injury, while fellow wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee) missed last Sunday's road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Niners lost four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner in the 30-19 defeat with a fractured ankle, adding to their difficult season on the injury front. Despite the losses, San Francisco (4-2) has remained in contention in the NFC West. Through Week 6, it's tied with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks for first in the division. According to ESPN's NFL Football Power Index, it has the highest odds (43.9%) of winning the NFC West.

Getting Kittle back would give the 49ers a significant boost as they get into the meat of their schedule. That might come as early as this week.