How long is George Kittle out? Injury timeline, return date, latest updates for 49ers tight end

The 49ers will have cero Kittle this weekend.

San Francisco is still without their top receiving target for at least another week, with tight end George Kittle on the shelf recovering from a nagging calf injury he suffered earlier in the season.

San Francisco, sitting at 2-3 and coming off their Bye Week entering “Sunday Night Football,” the 49ers are going to have to figure out their middling offense and fast, as their QB shuffle continues and the team

Here’s when you can expect to see Kittle back on the field:

How long is George Kittle out?

Kittle was placed on Injured Reserve prior to the 49ers’ Week 5 matchup vs. the Cardinals with a calf injury. The IR designation lists Kittle out a minimum of three games, meaning he’ll be back no earlier than Week 9, a matchup vs. the Cardinals at home.

Kittle has missed time with injury in the past: In 2020, he injured his knee and later fractured his foot, missing eight games. In 2019, he missed two games while dealing with a knee sprain.

What is George Kittle’s injury?

Kittle is dealing a strained calf, a nagging injury he’s been dealing with since before the 49ers’ Week 4 matchup vs. the Seahawks.

While it’s unclear when exactly Kittle was injured, he entered the game vs. Seattle as “questionable.” He would play through the injury in the matchup.

Prior to San Francisco’s game vs. the Cardinals in Week 5, Kittle was ruled out with the calf injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that the injury got much worse during the week, and Kittle was held out of practice.

George Kittle injury timeline

Sept. 29: Kittle misses practice with a calf injury. It’s unclear when exactly he suffered the injury, but 

Oct. 1: Kyle Shanahan is unsure of Kittle’s status for Sunday’s game. Seems like a 50/50 chance that Kittle plays.

Oct. 3: Kittle is active for the Week 4 game after being listed as questionable with a calf injury prior to the 49ers matchup with the Seahawks. He snags four passes for 40 yards in the loss.

Oct. 7: After the loss to the Seahawks, Kittle is again not practicing with the calf injury. 

Oct. 8: Kittle is officially listed as “Doubtful” for the Week 5 game vs. the Cardinals.

Oct. 9: The 49ers announce they’re placing Kittle on IR with the calf injury. He’s going to miss a minimum of three games while he recovers. That puts him on track to return Week 9 vs. the Cardinals at home.