49ers TE George Kittle misses Thursday's practice, Week 3 status in question

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle did not practice Thursday and was added to the team's injury report due to hamstring tightness. His status for Week 3's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday is in question, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Additionally, cornerback Charvarius Ward didn't practice due to hamstring and knee issues and was listed on San Francisco's injury report. Ward hasn't missed a game since joining the 49ers in 2023. Deommodore Lenoir or rookie Renardo Green could take his place. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is expected to make his season debut, returning from a torn ACL.

Kittle and Ward join receiver Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey among injured 49ers players. Samuel is out with a calf strain and is expected to miss "a couple of weeks," according to coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey is on injured reserve and thus out for at least two more games with Achilles tendinitis and calf tightness.

In Week 2's 23–17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Kittle had seven catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. In two games this season, he has 11 receptions (on 13 targets) for 116 yards, second in both categories among 49ers pass-catchers.

If Kittle can't play, it would be the sixth consecutive season in which he's missed at least one game. The All-Pro tight end last played a full season in 2018, when the regular season schedule was still 16 games.

Eric Saubert would get the start in place of Kittle. The eight-year veteran is in his first season with the 49ers and has two receptions for 26 yards so far. He's previously played for the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.

The Rams will also be missing two offensive stars for Week 3, with receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out for multiple games.