49ers' George Kittle Unlikely to Return from Hamstring Injury vs. Bucs in Week 6

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is eligible to be activated off injured reserve to play in the team's Week 6 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that doesn't necessarily mean a return will happen against Tampa Bay.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that Kittle likely won't be back on the field until Week 7, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic.

Kittle suffered a hamstring injury during San Francisco's season-opening 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

He sustained the injury in the second quarter against Seattle, catching four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown prior to leaving the contest.

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Kittle missed two games during the 2024 season due to hamstring issues.

The 49ers have been able to win three of their four games since the tight end's injury, but his eventual return should still provide a boost to team's offense.

Kittle hauled in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns during his 2024 campaign, earning the sixth Pro Bowl nod of his career. He operated as a consistent option across the middle of the field, as San Francisco's quarterbacks owned a 135.2 passer rating when targeting him (via Pro Football Reference).

Kittle also continued to make his presence felt as a run blocker.

San Francisco has managed health issues involving several key weapons in its passing attack this season. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk have combined to miss eight games in 2025 due to their respective injuries.

Until Kittle is able to return, the 49ers will rely on backup tight ends Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell.