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Is George Kittle out for the season? When is George Kittle coming back? The latest George Kittle injury update and fantasy football outlook heading into Week 2 of 2025.
The 49ers' star tight end George Kittle exited Sunday's contest against the Seattle Seahawks with a right hamstring injury. That's heartbreaking news for San Francisco and fantasy football managers alike.
Before the injury, Kittle had contributed with four catches for 25 yards and a score. Managers drafted Kittle to make an impact, which he did in his brief time on the field. Now, they're wondering what to do in his absence.
Fantasy managers who were prepared to have the tight end all season are scrambling to find a backup plan. Let's look at what's happening with Kittle and what options are available if you just lost him to injured reserve.
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Is George Kittle Out for the 2025 Season?
Although Kittle's injury isn't season-ending (great news!), the 49ers confirmed he is headed to IR. That designation sidelines him for a minimum of four games, with his earliest return possible in Week 6's contest with the Buccaneers.
He'll be out for games against the Saints, Falcons, Jaguars, and Rams. The 49ers will surely miss the veteran in those matchups, as he has been a massive piece of the offense with back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns.
49ers Pro Bowl TE George Kittle is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/HcPx4ai1YS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2025
Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell now move up the depth chart. Tonges gave the team a spark in Week 1, hauling in the game-winning touchdown against Seattle. Farrell saw plenty of playing time as well, but was used primarily as a blocker. Tonges will be the TE benefiting from Kittle's absence.
Both RB Christian McCaffrey and wideout Ricky Pearsall will likely benefit the most from an increased receiving load. Both were heavily involved in Week 1's matchup, with McCaffrey bringing in nine receptions for 73 yards and Pearsall tacking on four catches for 108 yards.
When Is George Kittle Coming Back? Fantasy Football Outlook
For fantasy football purposes, Kittle's injury is disappointing but not a total disaster. He's still worth stashing in all formats, especially given his knack for putting up points once healthy.
If your league is set up with IR spots, he should be put there immediately. If not, managers will need to hold him (even if it ties up a roster spot). Either way, you must stream TEs or find a solid option to replace him. Dropping Kittle shouldn't cross your mind.
There's Kittle. In the end zone 😤
📺: FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/BzYOg5f80b— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 7, 2025
Hamstring injuries can be tricky, but if Kittle's return goes smoothly, he'll be back in time to help teams by midseason. Last year, the 31-year-old brought in 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, so it's easy to see the week-winning potential he has when healthy. Sadly, we have to be patient and wait for the full-strength Kittle, as his long-term value outweighs the short-term inconvenience.
Fantasy managers will need to find a short-term replacement while the TE misses time. Tonges is worth an add in deeper leagues, as he'll take over primary pass-catching duties at the TE position. Names like Harold Fannin Jr., Brenton Strange, Juwan Johnson, and Zach Ertz are all players who can provide consistency for the next few weeks and are likely to be found on waivers.
Jake Tonges had never caught a pass in the NFL before today.
He has three today. Including this one 🙌 pic.twitter.com/g1xMS2UXub
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
The Kittle injury increases McCaffrey's value in the offense. He already displayed heavy involvement in the passing game, and with the Pro Bowl TE sidelined, he'll see his role expand. Pearsall's value also gets a bump as he's in line for even more targets.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with his own injury issues, nursing both shoulder and toe injuries. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports Purdy will be sidelined between two and five weeks with turf toe. Backup Mac Jones will take on the 49ers in Week 2. Looks like McCaffrey has a safe floor in current conditions.
The plan for fantasy managers is this: stash Kittle and plug the hole with a streaming option or top waiver add. Psych yourself up; Kittle will add a boost to your team when he returns. Even if the injury keeps him out for more than four weeks, he'll bring upside into the fantasy playoffs that'll make the wait worthwhile.
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
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Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 2 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Kyle Pitts, Evan Engram, T.J. Hockenson, Jake Ferguson, Brenton Strange, Zach Ertz. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 2. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
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Popular Week 2 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 2 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 2 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 2 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Kyle Pitts, Evan Engram, T.J. Hockenson, Jake Ferguson, Brenton Strange, Zach Ertz compared to others:
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