George Kittle Has 'Good Chance' to Return from Injury vs. Falcons, 49ers GM Says

The San Francisco 49ers could get one of their best offensive players back in the lineup in Week 7.

During a radio appearance on Thursday, 49ers general manager John Lynch said star tight end George Kittle has "a good chance" to return from his hamstring injury in the Sunday Night Football matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 19.

Kittle recorded four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown before injuring his hamstring in San Francisco's Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. He was placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least the next four games. He would've been eligible to return this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the team is understandably being cautious with his recovery.

Kittle is one of many key players who have missed time for the 49ers, including quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee).

Despite the injuries, San Francisco is off to a 4-1 start. Backup quarterback Mac Jones helped lead the team to a dramatic overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 5.

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Jones is in line to remain the starter for the time being, but Purdy appears to be getting closer to a return. Per ESPN's Nick Wagoner, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that the team hasn't considered ruling him out for an extended period, saying, "It hasn't been a thought on [placing him on] IR. He's progressing."

Whoever is under center in Week 7 will surely be happy to have Kittle back on the field if he manages to return against the Falcons as Lynch predicted.