George Kittle

49ers star TE George Kittle (calf) has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next three games.

Fantasy Impact

Rather than letting the calf strain linger, the 49ers will shut Kittle down for three games in hopes that he fully heals. He'll be eligible to return in Week 9 against the Cardinals. In the meantime, look for Ross Dwelley to man the tight end position in Kittle's absence. He's more of a blocking tight end, and shouldn't be considered anything more than a low-end TE2. Kittle's absence could also mean more playing time for Kyle Juszczyk.

49ers star TE George Kittle has been listed as doubtful for Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals due to a calf injury.

Fantasy Impact

Rookie QB Trey Lance has already been named the starter for Week 5, but he may be without one of his best weapons. Kittle has not practiced all week, making it likely he'll be sitting out this Sunday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the situation for updates but make other plans accordingly at the TE position.

49ers TE George Kittle (calf) remains sidelined during Thursday's practice.

Fantasy Impact

Kittle missed some practice time last week but was still able to play. As long as he gets in a "limited" session on Friday, that should remain the case in Week 5. Even with his calf injury, Kittle is a recommended fantasy start in season-long formats.

49ers tight end George Kittle (calf) is not practicing on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

Kittle was limited and absent from some practices last week, too, but still ended up playing. We will see if this is the case once again in Week 5. If so, Kittle falls into the top-five tight end category in what should be a pass-heavy attack against the Cardinals.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught 4-of-11 targets for 40 yards in Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Fantasy Impact

Kittle entered the weekend with a questionable tag after not practicing on Thursday and being limited on Friday but he was able to suit up for the divisional tilt. While he was held out of the end zone for the fourth straight week (Jamal Adams broke up a would-be touchdown late in the fourth quarter), he did see 11 targets, which was his highest total of the season. He remains one of the 49ers' best options in the passing game along with Deebo Samuel. He'll look for his first score in Week 5 against the Cardinals. So far, he's hauled in 19-of-29 targets for 227 yards.