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Fantasy football playoffs are fast approaching, with most leagues starting them in Week 14 and running through Week 16. Injured players come and go throughout the season, but the San Francisco 49ers could have a couple players who might make a big impact on the end of fantasy football seasons.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle are both on injured reserve at the moment. On Tuesday as the 49ers begin preparations for Week 13, head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media he is holding out hope for the two of them to potentially get back by Week 16.
"I'm holding out hope for Jimmy the last couple of weeks. Same for Kittle. Whether it's two games, one game, or none." -Shanahan
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) December 1, 2020
Neither player will return to practice this week.
A return from Kittle would be a big boost for fantasy football managers. The tight end position is the weakest of the four major positions, and if you lost Kittle you likely are starting with an undrafted option and just hoping for a few points each week. Getting Kittle back for even one week would be a significant shot in the arm to a fantasy roster.
Fantasy managers were not starting Garoppolo with any kind of regularity outside of two-QB leagues, but his return would be a boost for the 49ers skill position players. Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and the 49ers running backs have had plenty of notable moments with Nick Mullens starting, but Garoppolo is an upgrade for the offense.