49ers to place George Kittle on injured reserve

Saturday update — The 49ers are placing Kittle on injured reserve due to his calf injury. He’s expected to miss at least the next three games.

Friday PM update — The 49ers have designated George Kittle as doubtful for Week 5. He is unlikely to play.

Friday AM update — 49ers GM John Lynch was on the radio this morning and said Kittle has a “very realistic chance” of playing, but with the 49ers heading into their bye week in Week 6, it would give him some time to heal. That suggests he’ll be a game-time decision

Thursday update — Kittle was absent from practice for a second straight day on Thursday due to a calf injury. Chances are the 49ers are just being cautious with the star TE ahead of Sunday’s matchup vs. the Cardinals. We’ll see if Kittle is able to get in a limited practice on Friday before getting an injury designation.

The San Francisco 49ers are back at practice and they’re taking it easy with tight end George Kittle. He is dealing with a calf injury and sat out Wednesday’s practice to open Week 5 preparations.

Kittle suffered the injury in Week 3 and was questionable heading into last week’s game. He did not practice last Wednesday or Thursday but then got in a limited session on Friday. He was listed as questionable but by game-day morning reports had him set to be active. He finished the Seahawks game with four receptions for 40 yards on a season-high 11 targets.

Fantasy football implications

Kittle is banged up and you could see it at times last week against the Seahawks. He remains a strong presence even at less than 100% but it decreases his ceiling for fantasy purposes. He is still a must-start if he plays, but expectations should be lowered for Week 5 against the Cardinals.