The 49ers could be without All-Pro tight end George Kittle who missed practice with a sore hamstring. (AP/Tony Avelar)
- George Kittle and Charvarius Ward miss practice due to soreness, listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.
- Jordan Mason impresses as McCaffrey's replacement, aiming to make history with third consecutive 100-yard rushing game.
- Quarterback Brock Purdy remains confident in team's playmakers and scheme despite potential absences of key offensive players.
Share
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers could be without another key offensive player this week after All-Pro tight end George Kittle missed practice with a sore hamstring.
Related Story: 49ers Call Their Latest Loss at Minnesota a ‘Wake-up Call’
The Niners are lost All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey and star receiver Deebo Samuel to injuries before Kittle reported soreness in his hamstring after Wednesday’s practice.
Kittle sat out practice Thursday, along with cornerback Charvarius Ward, who reported a sore hamstring and knee. Coach Kyle Shanahan said both players would likely be listed as questionable Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
“They had good practices yesterday then complained of some soreness after, then came in this morning with it,” Shanahan told flagship radio station KNBR on Thursday in his scheduled weekly interview. “So we weren’t going to put them out there today. … Hopefully they come in tomorrow and can get some work in. Definitely hoping those guys can be available on Sunday but, if not, go to the next guys up.”
Related Story: 49ers Receiver Deebo Samuel Will Miss a Couple of Weeks With a Calf Injury
49ers Face Potential Offensive Setback
If Kittle is unable to go, the 49ers would be without three of their four players who gained at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season. Kittle, McCaffrey and Samuel accounted for 39 of the team’s 60 offensive touchdowns last season.
Jordan Mason has filled in well for McCaffrey the first two weeks with 247 yards rushing and two TDs over the first two games and could become the seventh player ever to rush for at least 100 yards and a TD in each of the first three games of the season.
Related Story: Sam Darnold and an Attacking Defense Drive the Undefeated Vikings in a Win Over ...
Remaining Playmakers Step Up
The Niners would still have second-team All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk, who has struggled the first two games following a contract dispute that held him out of practice all of training camp, and Jauan Jennings at receiver.
“We’ve got playmakers,” quarterback Brock Purdy said. “We have a really good scheme, great play-caller and some great players that step up in their roles and do their job really well. I still have to do my job in terms of my reads and progressions more so than change the way I think and make sure I’m getting it to this guy or that guy because a couple of guys are out.”
RELATED TOPICS:
Categories
Paul Atkins Sworn in as US SEC Chair
US Supreme Court Appears Likely to Uphold Obamacare’s Preventive Care Coverage Mandate
Woman in Fresno Mansion Fraud Case Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion
California Prisoner Indicted for Exploiting Child Victim While Incarcerated
Kennedy Plans to Phase Out 8 Commonly Used Food Dyes
