George Kittle’s surprise removal from the injury report signals an improbable return from an Achilles tear, forcing the Rams to rethink their defensive strategy for this season opener.
The San Francisco 49ers received good news on Thursday morning. The team may be getting reinforcements when they take the field on Thursday.
Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, San Francisco star tight end George Kittle was taken off the injury report and may be primed to take the field earlier than expected.
If Kittle is able to play, it would certainly chance how the Rams would need to defend against the 49ers' offense. Whether or not Los Angeles is prepared to pivot is still to be seen.
Not long ago, some believed Kittle might not return in the first few games due to the severity and seriousness of his injury. Nevertheless, it appears the Niners will have one of their best weapons available for a critical Week 1 matchup with one of their top competitors for the NFC West division title and a top seed.
Ayo Adeduyite of The Big Lead discussed what Kittle's return could mean for the Niners in the pivotal matchup. Here's some of what Adeduyite had to say about Kittle's surprise omission from the injury report.
"49ers tight end George Kittle is off the injury report and is expected to play Thursday against the Rams, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner and Adam Schefter. Kittle had been listed as a limited participant this week while working back from the torn Achilles he suffered in San Francisco’s playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles in January.
Kittle’s availability changes the matchup for Los Angeles as he is not simply another receiving option for Brock Purdy. Kittle can line up inline, in the slot or split out wide, forcing defenses to adjust their personnel and coverage without knowing where he will attack."
To be clear, if Kittle is able to play on Thursday, it would be an "improbable comeback" to say the least. Kittle tore his Achilles tendon in the 49ers' postseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Whether or not he will return to the same level this year is not certain, much less that he would be near 100% for Thursday's game. Even so, his inclusion in the lineup would plant at least a seed of doubt in Los Angeles' mind that they are facing the same matchup nightmare he has been over the course of his career.
Kittle has a chance to change the entire complexion of the matchup on Thursday. He will hope to help secure the Niners win in the season opening game.
