George Kittle Speaks Out on Injury After Limited Practice: Likely to Miss Week 7 Matchup Against Falcons
San Francisco, CA – October 15, 2025 — San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle has spoken out regarding the injury that has kept him limited in practice this week, casting doubt on his availability for the team’s Week 7 showdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
Kittle, who has been a vital part of the 49ers’ offense, has been dealing with an ongoing issue that has affected his ability to participate fully in practice. Despite his determination to return to the field, the injury has raised concerns about his ability to suit up for Sunday’s game.
“I’ve been doing everything I can to get back out there, but right now it’s still a day-to-day situation,” Kittle said after a light practice session. “I’m pushing myself in every way I can, but I’ve got to listen to my body. It’s been frustrating, but my focus is on getting healthy, and I won’t take the field unless I’m 100%. Right now, that’s still uncertain.”
Kittle, known for his gritty play and ability to dominate both in the passing game and as a blocker, has been a key piece of the 49ers' offense. His absence would be a significant blow to a team that has been riding high this season. While the 49ers' coaching staff has remained optimistic, Kittle’s condition has created uncertainty heading into Week 7.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation, acknowledging Kittle’s importance to the team while also reiterating that player health and safety are the priority. “George is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever coached, but we’re not going to rush him back before he’s ready. We’ll make sure he’s fully recovered so he can give us his best,” Shanahan stated.
While Kittle has continued to work with the training staff in an attempt to speed up his recovery, he admitted that the situation remains fluid. “The team’s got to come first, and I don’t want to be out there if I’m not helping the way I should. I’ve got to make sure I’m fully ready for the long haul,”
With the 49ers sitting at the top of the NFC standings, the game against the Falcons is crucial, and Kittle’s potential absence raises questions about how the offense will adjust. Should Kittle be unable to go, backup tight ends like Ross Dwelley will need to step up in his place, but there’s no denying the impact Kittle has when he’s on the field.
As Week 7 approaches, the 49ers and their fans await further updates on Kittle’s status. If he is unable to play, the 49ers’ offense will face a significant challenge in trying to maintain their momentum without one of their most dynamic and reliable players.
Saquon Barkley: "This Season Isn't About Proving I Can Do What I've Already Done. It's About More."
As Saquon Barkley approaches the 2025 season, his determination is palpable. The New York Giants running back isn’t concerned with proving he can replicate the feats he’s already accomplished. He’s done that. From breaking records to becoming one of the league's premier running backs, Barkley has already demonstrated his immense talent. However, this year, Barkley is on a different mission—one that focuses on pushing the limits of his potential, remaining at the top of his game, and never settling for comfort.
“This season isn’t about proving I can do what I’ve already done,” Barkley told reporters in a candid interview. “I’ve already done that. This season is about proving I can do more, be stronger, and be more consistent. For me, 'the peak' isn’t a destination – it’s an endless journey.”
A History of High Expectations
Barkley’s journey has been one of both incredible highs and frustrating lows. After an explosive rookie season in 2018, which saw him rush for over 1,300 yards and score 15 total touchdowns, Barkley’s star seemed to rise without limit. However, injuries and the inconsistency of the Giants' offense have often held him back. He missed a significant portion of the 2020 season with a torn ACL, a setback that would have shattered the confidence of many players. But Barkley showed resilience.
He returned in 2021 and quickly reminded everyone why he was considered one of the most dynamic running backs in the league. Despite battling injuries in the years following, Barkley still finished the 2024 season with impressive numbers, rushing for 1,250 yards and 10 touchdowns. Yet, he’s the first to admit that these accomplishments don’t define his journey. For Barkley, it’s about maintaining that top-tier performance year after year.
A Focus on Consistency and Strength
Now, as he heads into the 2025 season, Barkley’s mindset has shifted. He’s not solely focused on flashy runs or jaw-dropping highlights. Instead, he’s laser-focused on consistency, physical strength, and mental toughness. After all, the NFL is a league built on longevity, and the difference between elite players and legends often comes down to consistency and the ability to perform at a high level week after week.
"I want to be more than just a guy who has a great season and then fades out," Barkley continued. "I want to be the guy who’s consistently great. The one who shows up every week, no matter what. I’ve got more in me, and I’m going to prove it.”
That mindset has led to a change in his approach during the offseason. While other running backs might focus purely on their speed or agility, Barkley has honed in on physical strength. He’s worked with a team of trainers to develop his core strength and endurance to ensure he can absorb hits and continue churning out yards into his 30s.
Barkley is also determined to improve his passing game, both as a receiver and a blocker. In today’s NFL, a running back who can contribute in multiple ways—rushing, receiving, and even blocking for the quarterback—is invaluable. Barkley has already been a reliable pass-catcher in the Giants’ offense, but he’s aiming to take that element of his game to the next level.
The Endlessly Rising Peak
For Barkley, “the peak” isn’t a place to be reached, but a constant goal. He’s the first to acknowledge the brutal reality of professional sports: the longer you remain at the top, the more people try to pull you down. And yet, it’s precisely this challenge that drives him.
"I think some people get complacent when they achieve something big. But for me, I always feel like I’m just getting started," Barkley explained. "The peak isn't a destination. It's about climbing higher, pushing further, and making sure that I can keep getting better. It’s about taking on new challenges and proving that I can conquer them."
This season, Barkley’s narrative isn’t just about accolades or big plays—it’s about proving to himself and the league that his best is yet to come. After all, for one of the most talented running backs of his generation, the idea of reaching the peak is simply the beginning of an ongoing, unrelenting climb.
What’s Next for Barkley and the Giants?
The Giants have been in rebuilding mode for several years, but with Barkley leading the charge in the backfield, there is hope for the future. A more consistent Barkley means a more dynamic offense and, ideally, a more competitive team in the NFC East. For the Giants to succeed, they will need to lean heavily on Barkley’s leadership and skillset, especially as they face the top-tier defenses of the NFC.
While it’s clear that Barkley still has a lot left to prove, the true test will come when he’s asked to perform not just in flashes, but week after week. If anyone can prove that they are capable of maintaining greatness for an extended period, it’s Saquon Barkley.
For now, the journey continues—because for Barkley, reaching the peak is never the end. It’s just another challenge to overcome on the endless climb to greatness.
