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When will George Kittle return and play? Will George Kittle be back again this season? Read the latest George Kittle injury updates and return date for Week 6 (2025).
After another productive season in San Francisco, George Kittle was one of the first tight ends off the board in fantasy football drafts in 2025. With the 49ers losing wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (via trade to the Washington Commanders) and Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) return date uncertain, Kittle had a clear runway to take off as the team's primary receiver.
Kittle looked ready to fill that role in Week 1, catching four balls and a touchdown in less than one half of work. Unfortunately, a hamstring strain in the second quarter ended Kittle's day and landed him on injured reserve, where he has remained since.
When will Kittle return to action, and what is his fantasy football outlook when he does? Let's dive in.
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George Kittle Injury Update
Kittle's placement on injured reserve barred the tight end from eligibility for the next four games, making Week 6 the earliest he could possibly return. Kittle was seen running on the side during practices this week, but the team has yet to open his 21-day practice window, which would signal an imminent return.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have gone on record to say that Kittle will not be activated in time for San Francisco's Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both indicated that Kittle is on track to return for their matchup against the Falcons in Week 7.
John Lynch told @knbrmurph & @MarkusBoucher George Kittle has a "good chance" to return next week vs Atlanta but that the Niners want to make sure that he can be 100%. pic.twitter.com/FC33cmkOMX
— KNBR (@KNBR) October 9, 2025
Fantasy football managers should continue to monitor Kittle's status throughout this week and next.
George Kittle Fantasy Football Outlook
Kittle looked like Brock Purdy's (toe) preferred target out of the gate in Week 1. Before Kittle injured his hamstring in the second quarter, he was targeted on four of Purdy's first ten pass attempts. The tight end secured all four looks for 25 receiving yards and a touchdown.
After Kittle departed, Jake Tonges saw more involvement on offense. Tonges was on the receiving end of the go-ahead touchdown that ended up being the deciding points in the game against Seattle. Since then, he has maintained his role as the 49ers' primary receiving tight end, totaling 19 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns over San Francisco's first five games.
While his emergence as a pass-catcher has been a relief for the Niners' injury-riddled receiving corps, he should take a backseat to Kittle upon his return.
With wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) both ailing and opening Week 6 with DNPs, now would be the perfect time for Kittle to come back. Understandably, the team does not want to rush their star tight end back and risk reinjury. Once he is ready, Kittle should emerge as one of the team’s top targets, whether the team’s other receivers are healthy or not.
San Francisco’s quarterback situation may be of greater significance to Kittle’s prospects after he rejoins the team. Purdy has been hampered by turf toe, missing three games already, and his status for Week 6 is up in the air, though a stint on injured reserve is unlikely. Backup Mac Jones (knee, oblique) has played well in Purdy’s absence, but has been racking up injuries of his own in his three starts this season.
However, Jones is currently on track to suit up this weekend, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Should neither quarterback be available in the weeks ahead, third-stringer Adrian Martinez would take over under center. Martinez was first signed by the Lions in 2023 but has yet to take a regular-season snap in the NFL. If he is pushed into service, then Kittle’s outlook would be downgraded. Fantasy football managers waiting for Kittle’s next game should also have their fingers crossed for Purdy and Jones to get healthy as well.
Mac Jones (knee) listed as a limited participant today but doing plenty of throwing. He and Adrian Martinez are the only available QBs for the 49ers pic.twitter.com/mAT0CCaziK
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 8, 2025
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Popular Week 6 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 6 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Kyle Pitts Sr., Tucker Kraft, Jake Tonges, AJ Barner, Evan Engram, Zach Ertz compared to others:
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