Getty George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle came up hobbling at the end of the first half in Week 1 after taking a hit from Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Still, Kittle somehow managed to make it through the entire game which ended in a close loss for the Niners.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that Kittle won’t be practicing this week, however, there is still optimism that he’ll play against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Kittle suffered a knee strain which obviously isn’t as bad as it could have been, however, it will take time to fully heal.
Here’s a look at the 49ers’ other notable players who are injured and some newcomer news.
Richard Sherman Will Be Sidelined
Cornerback Richard Sherman will also be sidelined for at least three weeks due to a leg injury, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported.
BREAKING: 49ers placing CB Richard Sherman on IR, expected to miss at least three weeks. (via @mikegarafolo)
This news is slightly out of the blue considering his name wasn’t mentioned after the game by head coach Kyle Shanahan. Sherman played 74 of 78 snaps in Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals.
The Pro-Bowler will likely miss games against the New York Jets, Giants and Philadelphia Eagles before he’s able to return.
Deebo Samuel Set to Return Week 4
49ers wideout Deebo Samuel will miss a bit more time, and it appears that he may be set to return in Week 4 when the 49ers play the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 49ers have placed WR Deebo Samuel on IR, per source. He’s out at least 3 games.
Deebo suffered a foot fracture prior to training camp which left a very questionable timeline for his return toa ction. Originally the 49ers weren’t allowed to put Deebo on the injured reserve list since it happened prior to camp but following COVID-19 and the NFL’s flexibility this year, he was then able to be listed on IR.
“Really hoping to get him back by the Eagles game, but we got to see how this heals and how it goes right now,” Shanahan said via NBC Sports.
Samuel was San Francisco’s most productive wide receiver as a rookie in 2019, catching 57 of his 81 targets for 802 yards and three touchdowns. He ended the season running the ball 14 times for 159 yards as well.
49ers Sign WR Mohamed Sanu
The Falcons signed ex-Falcons and Patriots wide receiver Mohamed Sanu earlier this week in response to some injuries.
Sanu was traded to New England in October of 2019. Prior to heading to New England, Sanu spent four seasons in Atlanta.
Sanu got off to a nice start in New England, catching 10 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown in his second game. Returning a punt in his third game, Sanu sprained his ankle which seemed to slow him down the rest of the season. He underwent surgery over the offseason.
Sanu had a career-high 67 catches for the Falcons in 2017 and followed up with 66 catches for a career-best 838 yards last season.
Sanu is entering his eighth NFL season after spending his first four years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has consistently been a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver for most of his career and averaged between 500 and 700 receiving yards with 4 to 5 touchdowns per season.
READ NEXT: Falcons HC Dan Quinn Has Hottest Seat in NFL