49ers Get Good News on TE George Kittle Ahead of Week 7
Injuries have been a major issue for the 49ers. But at the very least, San Francisco may soon get back a foundational piece on offense.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Monday that All-Pro tight end George Kittle is scheduled to return to practice this week after spending more than a month on injured reserve with a strained hamstring.
Kittle injured his hamstring during the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks and has not played since. He has just four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown on the season.
49ers Hope to Get Kittle Back in Week 7
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers “hope” to have Kittle back for Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, but that will obviously depend on his progress over the next week. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, so expect the 49ers (4-2) to be careful ramping him back up.
Kittle — who turned 32 last week — will be able to practice for the next three weeks and can rejoin the active roster at any point. If and when his 21-day practice window expires, the 49ers must decide whether to activate Kittle off IR or rule him out for the rest of the season.
Kittle left the opener with 10:06 left in the second quarter, limping off the field after running a deep route. He was placed on IR before Week 2.
Jake Tonges has taken over No. 1 tight end duties in Kittle’s absence. While Tonges remains an efficient pass catcher, he doesn’t offer the same downfield capabilities as Kittle. Through six games, Tonges, 26, has 25 catches for 224 yards and three touchdowns.
Injuries Keep Piling Up for 49ers
Shanahan said quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (right knee) could also return to practice this week.
Meanwhile, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery Tuesday after dislocating and fracturing his ankle in Sunday’s 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Warner, who had 51 tackles and two forced fumbles this season, issued an emotional statement on Instagram following the game.
“There’s certain games you wake up knowing it’s gonna be your day, and yesterday was one of those days,” Warner wrote. “I knew I was bout to go off, and then boom, everything over in one instant that was completely unpreventable. The love everyone has shown me and the prayers being had for me mean the world to me.
“Some ask why I was able to smile on the cart heading in and it’s because (aside from the shock) I have complete peace in knowing God’s plan is so completely perfect and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’ve had the privilege of being able to have a very healthy 8 seasons and now it’s time to inspire through the comeback I’m bout to have. It will be LEGENDARY and right on time, God willing. Thank you guys, love always GO NINERS.”
Colts HC Shane Steichen to make final decision on QB situation behind Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are rolling at 5-1, but quarterback depth has become a major storyline heading into Week 7. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen will decide who backs up Daniel Jones — either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien.
The Athletic’s James Boyd took to X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting that a team source confirmed Steichen will make the call after evaluating both options in practice this week.
“Source said #Colts HC Shane Steichen will have the final say of who is QB2 between Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
We can also ask Steichen before practice tomorrow (and again Friday after Rypien has practiced the whole week).”
Leonard, a sixth-round rookie from Notre Dame, has been with the Colts all season and has taken most backup reps since Richardson’s eye injury. Meanwhile, Rypien signed to the practice squad on October 14 and brings veteran experience from stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The decision carries weight. Jones has completely revived his career under Steichen, leading the AFC’s top scoring offense. But should he miss time, the Colts must trust the next man up to keep their momentum going.
Steichen’s evaluation extends beyond game readiness — it’s also about locker room confidence and long-term continuity. Coaches and teammates alike have praised both quarterbacks for their preparation, making the final decision a reflection of who best aligns with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Leonard offers upside and youth, while Rypien brings system familiarity and game experience. The choice by the Colts coach will reveal whether he values development or veteran security as the team pushes for a playoff run.
Steichen is expected to speak before and after practice later this week, with a final depth chart decision coming no later than Friday. Until then, the quarterback room remains under review.
